Rattlerette displays intellect, talent

Junior Elisha Scott from Enterprise, Ala. recently transferred from Chipola Junior College in Marianna to Florida A&M University to play softball.

The hardworking team player is the epitome of a student athlete.

“She works really hard on and off the field,” said her sister Teresa Scott, a senior outfielder for the Lady Rattlers.

“She is sincere and diligent in everything she does.”

Scott has been playing first base since she arrived to FAMU, but since starting catcher, Ruby Nugent, was injured on Feb. 28, Scott has taken over the position.

This has given her an opportunity to display her teamwork skills, as she knows how to play every position on the field.

“Elisa came here as a ball player,” said head coach Veronica Wiggins. “She is a silent leader with awesome work ethic; a coach’s dream.”

Off the field, Scott is an even better player. The health science student maintains a 4.0 GPA, despite her considerable daily commitment to playing softball.

“I commend anyone who is a student athlete,” Scott said. “It can be ten times harder to maintain good grades and a place on the field.”

Scott is really focused on performing well in and out of the classroom during her last year and a half here at FAMU.

“We have got confidence in her and she will definitely learn and grow,” Wiggins said.

“We are looking for great things from her.”

Scott who has been playing softball since she was five years old said the relationship she has develped with her teammates has enable them to succeed as a team.

“My team believes in me and we trust in each other to succeed as a team,” Scott said. “That is the true meaning of teamwork.”

One of the people that will always be on Scott’s team is her older sister Teresa.

“We went to different junior colleges where we played against each other for the first time but now we are united and I back her up on everything,” Teresa Scott said.

Scott also wants to continue to do her best and keep improving beause she has come a long way.

“My proudest moment in FAMU softball came when I went up to bat and I hadn’t hit anything all day, but my coach had faith in me,” Scott said.

“There were two outs so I know I had to do something. I hit two people home to put us in the lead. It was then that I realized I had come a long way.”

Currently she is focused on beating Bethune-Cookman College in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship

The team came in second last year and wants to regain its previous dominance in the MEAC.

Scott is very humble and grateful to everyone who has helped her get to where she is now.

She gives a lot of the credit to the FAMU softball coaches, her parents and sister for always supporting her and pushing her to do her best.

“I thank God for blessing me with the right people to motivate me and help me do well,” Scott said.

“Without Him I am nothing.”

This has given her an opportunity to display outright her teamwork skills, as she knows how to play every position on the field.

Faith Gordon can be reached at destiny0000@hotmail.com