At SUNY Oswego softball games, often the first thing you will hear from the Lakers dugout is the voice of Fiona Higgins.
As an outspoken leader, the senior has compiled a successful college career full of various awards, recognitions and accomplishments. Her accomplishments include, but are not limited to, SUNYAC Pitcher of the Week and Oswego State Female Athlete of the Week.
On the field, her play speaks for itself. Higgins is a pitcher and a hitter for the Lakers team, which is a tough act to follow due to the contrasting skills needed to be successful in both positions.
She reflects on how she has had to adjust her mentality on both sides of the ball in order to be successful.
“As a pitcher and a hitter, I have to have a short memory,” Higgins said. “I may have it bad at bat, but I can’t let that take over because I have to go out and pitch the next inning. [I’m] really just letting things go and just trying to do my best.”
As a senior, Higgins has taken it upon herself to be a leader for her team.
“I do see myself as a leader for the freshman on the team. I’m always checking in with them to see how they’re doing, especially trying to balance school and softball,” Higgins said. With this, she has had to further develop communication and optimism. “I try to stay positive and lead by example,” Higgins said.
Higgins has been on the team since her freshman year in 2019. Over the course of four years, she has seen how the program, the staff and players have been. With the constantly changing atmosphere of Lakers softball, especially through COVID-19, Higgins has adapted from her experiences.
“Since my freshman year, I’ve definitely grown physically and mentally as a student and athlete,” Higgins said. “I’ve learned that hard work really does pay off.”
Coaches have a significant impact on player development and success. The Lakers softball coach has only been here for a fraction of Higgins’ time on the field, but she believes that her coach has been highly dependable.
“Coach Nichols has had a great impact on me,” Higgins said. “She influenced my decision to stay for a fifth year to continue playing softball while pursuing my MBA. She is smart and very knowledgeable about the game.”
While reminiscing about her time on the team, Higgins said, “I think Florida the past two years have been fond memories. We really have the opportunity to grow as teammates for each other and [to] get close to one another in the time that we have there,” Higgins said. “We’re together for a full week nonstop, so it’s a really good opportunity for us to grow and bond.”
Number 12 is swinging for the fences as her fourth season comes to a close. She holds a 0.28 ERA and after 124 strikeouts this season and counting, she leads the entire conference, in total, by nearly 50 strikeouts.
Photo by: Erin Blank
