Apr 12, 2022 3 min read

Name: Sophia Zalar

School: Carmichaels

Sport: Softball

Class: Junior

Zalar’s week: Normally, when dealing with team sports, the Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week is selected for offensive production. This week, the honor goes to a great defensive effort that produced a 14-13 victory for Carmichaels over St. Joseph Academy from Hammonton, N.J., during the Mikes’ Florida trip to Cocoa Beach.

Zalar saved five runs from scoring for St. Joseph with two fine catches at the outfield fence.

The first one came with the bases loaded. The hit seemed ticketed to go over the fence for a grand slam but Zalar leaped, caught the ball and fell over the fence to save four runs. Later in the game, she made another nice catch at the fence with no one on base.

Another interesting part to this game was St. Joseph Academy scored 10 runs in the top of the first. Carmichaels came back to score seven in the bottom of the first inning but ended up needing two runs in the bottom of the seventh to pull out the win, Carmichaels’ fourth in five games.

“Whenever I came up to bat after that, the other team’s coaches would say, ‘look out, there’s hot feet at the plate,” said Zalar. “I always get compliments on my defense. Parents come up to me after games and give me compliments.”

Zalar, who was second team all-state as an outfielder last season, is the full package. Not only is she a dependable defensive player but has a batting average of .456.

Zalar, however, was 0-for-4 against St. Joseph with a run.

“This was the most intense game I’ve played,” Zalar said of the win over St. Joseph Academy. “I knew we were down early but it turned into an epic win for us.”

Zalar is a forward-wing on the Mikes’ basketball team. She also plays on the volleyball team.

“She’s known more for her speed,” said Carmichaels softball coach Dave Briggs. “She has never been thrown out stealing. I don’t want to jinx her but she’s never been thrown out.”

The right note: Zalar is a self-taught ukulele player.

“I watched how they did it on TV,” said Zalar. “It’s completely different than learning how to play the guitar. Your fingers are different playing the chords.”

Zalar also works with the Environmental Club, placing bird boxes in the area.

Compiled by Joe Tuscano