Getting To Know Brittany Schillizzi & Jen Metzger
2/15/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
10 Questions with senior second baseman Brittany Schillizzi and freshman pitcher Jen Metzger.
1. How did you get involved in softball?
Brittany Schillizzi: I started off playing baseball as a "tee baller" and I grew up playing baseball with boys. My dad had a major influence on my entrance into the baseball world as he grew up playing baseball as well. I am one of three daughters and was quite the athlete as a youngster so my dad really enjoyed coaching and watching me play. When I was a seventh grader I made the switch to softball, which was pretty challenging adjusting to the differences in the game. Although baseball and softball have the same concept, the game is very different. Fortunately, I was able to adjust rather quickly. I was a catcher in eighth grade and then made the switch to infield in high school, starting at third base. As a sophomore, I was moved to play short and stayed there until senior year. I have grown up playing baseball/softball so I have acquired the knowledge and skills to play any position but middle infield (second base or short) corresponds with my natural abilities.
Jen Metzger: My older sister played softball, so I pretty much grew up on a softball field until I was old enough to play myself.
2. Why did you choose Seton Hall?
BS: I initially heard of Seton Hall because my cousin attended the university. I was later introduced to the assistant softball coach and a few players at a hitting clinic for my travel softball team. After visiting the campus, I really liked the sense of community that Seton Hall represented. The campus environment is really beautiful, especially in the fall and spring seasons. One of my major reasons for coming to Seton Hall was its proximity to home. My parents have always been a great support system for me and being close to home was something that meant a lot. Aside from being recruited to play softball, I chose Seton Hall for its atmosphere, proximity to NYC, academic reputation, and the resources it had to offer.
JM: I chose Seton Hall because I felt that this school would best prepare me for my future while also being able to pitch in the BIG EAST conference at the Division I level.
3. What challenges have you had to overcome on the softball field?
BS: After experiencing college softball, you quickly learn that playing at the D-I BIG EAST level is no walk in the park. One of the major challenges to overcome is the transition of competiveness. Not to sound arrogant, but it was challenging for me personally to overcome being a high school standout as an all-state player to just an "average Joe." Adjusting to the traveling and practice time, while being a student is also a major challenge. All in all, the challenges of being a student athlete can be overwhelming but once you get the hang of things it's an experience of a life time.
JM: There have been many games where I did not play or pitch well, but I had to overcome those problems and do my best to help my team.
4. What was your favorite experience here at Seton Hall?
BS: My favorite experience here at Seton Hall was orientation and the first week moving in as a freshman. It was one of the most exciting moments, adjusting to a new environment and meeting new people. The athlete reception picnic was also a fun way to meet the other athletes here at Seton Hall. It is just crazy how time flies.... Seems like just yesterday I was moving into Aquinas Hall!
JM: My favorite experience so far was when we beat Fordham and their All-American pitcher during the fall!
5. What is the greatest lesson that you have learned from softball?
BS: I think playing a college sport in general has taught me a lot about managing my time. More importantly, I would say that playing a sport that is based on failure has made me a stronger person. In softball, it is more common to "fail" than succeed. Adjusting to this has helped me grow as a player and as a person.
JM: The greatest lesson I have learned from softball is to never give up no matter how hard something can be. Always fight!
6. What accomplishment in your softball career are you most proud of?
BS: Aside from starting at shortstop as a freshman, I am most proud of making the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll twice as a sophomore. It was an amazing feeling and I am looking forward to hopefully making it again this year.
JM: The accomplishment I am most proud of in my softball career is breaking the strikeout record in my high school in my freshman year. I had 237 strikeouts!
7. In your free time, what do you enjoy doing besides playing softball?
BS: In my free time (which is not a lot) I enjoy listening to music, reading, working out, and shopping. I also love catching up with my family and friends. Traveling is something I enjoy doing as well and I hope to travel more after graduation.
JM: Besides playing softball, I enjoy going to the beach, reading, and traveling.
8. If you weren't on the softball team here, what other sports team would you most likely be interested in being on and why?
BS: I would definitely be on either the tennis or soccer team. I grew up playing tennis and I have always loved the sport (just never pursued it along with soccer)... sometimes I wish I did but who knows if I would be the same person!
JM: If I was not on the softball team, I would most likely be interested in playing on the soccer team. I have never played it before but it looks like a lot of fun!
9. What is your major and why did you choose to study that? Do you have educational aspirations beyond your undergraduate degree at Seton Hall?
BS: My major is business finance and I will be working at Prudential in the Fixed Income Management department upon graduation. I chose finance because I am really into math and finance is an analytical way of applying mathematics in the study of business operations. I started off as a social work major and made the switch after I took a quantitative/pre-calculus class that sparked my interest in math. Then I went toward the business route to expand my opportunities in pursuing a career beyond my academic studies at Seton Hall.
JM: I am a biology major here at Seton Hall. I chose biology because it is one of my favorite subjects. After Seton Hall, I would like to go to medical school where I plan on becoming a doctor.
10. What goals do you have both on the diamond and in the classroom during your career here at Seton Hall?
BS: My goals on the diamond are to have a winning season and make it to the BIG EAST Championship this year. I know we have a great team and we have proven our potential in the fall by beating a top team (Fordham). Making it to BIG EAST's as a sophomore was one of the best experiences as an athlete and I hope to get that opportunity again. I know it will take a lot of hard work and perseverance but I know we can do it! We just have to stay positive and have fun =).
Although I have a job lined up after graduation, I have always strived to get a 4.0 GPA in at least one semester at college. I have been extremely close with a 3.8 but I have not yet reached a 4.0!
JM: My goals for both on and off the field are to be successful in whatever I try to do.
