Our May 2018 Student-Athlete Profile features sophomore Savanah Wallace. A natural leader on and off the field, Savanah was recently named as a member of the 1st Team All Conference and All Southern Cal. teams.
Savanah will continue her softball career at a 4-year university and after graduation plans to pursue a career in coaching. Congratulations on a job well done at Mesa! We look forward to seeing what you do next!
HOW DID YOU GET INTRODUCED TO THE SPORT?
Sports has always been a part of our family. My grandfather played football for Annapolis and my dad were coaches to my brothers all throughout Travel Ball, Rec. League, and All Stars.
Being around baseball on a daily basis, I would always find a way to hit balls with my brother. The first time I was old enough to register to play, I did. I got into travel ball in 7th grade, played for Mt. Carmel High School, and travel ball with the San Diego Renegades and San Diego Bat Busters.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR AMAZING SEASON.
I’ve always been good at working out, but over last summer and through fall, I decided to implement lot of quick twitch workouts. I hurt my back early in the year, so having more time to spend in the cage absolutely helped! It’s true what they say, the more work you put in, the more success!
TELL US YOUR EXPERIENCE AT MESA COLLEGE.
I have had the best time here at Mesa College. Both the academic and athletic department has helped me so much that I now feel prepared to move on to a 4-year university. Kristi Carson, our academic counselor, has been able guide me through the process the last two-years. I have always had to work extra hard for my grades, it was great knowing I had this support staff that was so accessible.
I will miss my coaches and teammates. My best memories are our van rides. We danced, we sang, those moments I will cherish the most.
My best athletic moment at Mesa College happened this year against Mt. San Jacinto. I was 5 for 5 with a grand slam, and 2 doubles. Mesa Softball has not had a grand slam since 2009.
The academics here at Mesa are great and I recommend anyone to go here that’s going through this path.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR TEAMMATES?
Keep working hard at it and there is always room to improve! Use Mesa College as a great tool to not only improve your athletic career, but also your academics.
It’s a great stepping stone for where you want to be in two-years. I know it’s tough that after high school, some of your friends have gone and left town and you’re still at home, but don’t look down upon that, use it to your advantage and cherish this path as you go upwards. Lastly, put in as much work in your school work as what you put on the field.
TELL ME YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH COACH GUIDI.
Coach Jackie has been one of the most, if not, most influential person in my life. I love everything about her coaching style, but more important, how she has always supported me outside of the softball field. Coach Jackie and I have worked with each other since our travel ball days with the Renegades. During my senior year in high school I broke my foot. Although my high school coach stopped believing in me, Coach Jackie never did. She always believed that I would be able to contribute to our team. Not once did she ever doubt my ability.
It was also great playing for her during my two-years here at Mesa. I knew that every time that I stepped into the batters box, I knew that she believed in me. It’s great for any athlete knowing that their coach fully believes in them!
It is safe to say, I would not be where I am today without her support.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FUTURE PLANS AND GOALS.
My aspirations in softball has always been to play collegiately. After my college career, I would like to get into coaching. I have seen first hand from Coach Jackie how big of an impact a coach can make, I would like to repay that to other student-athletes moving up the ranks. I kind of want to follow her footsteps