BRYN MAWR, PA- The William Penn Charter Softball team is off to a strong start. Friday’s game against Inter-Ac league challenger The Baldwin School gave PC another victory. The Quakers beat the Polar Bears 9-2.
The 2015 Pennsylvania Independent Schools State Champions and Co-Inter-Ac Champs, sharing the title with Episcopal Academy, are no strangers to playing great softball. The team has claimed seven Inter-Academic league titles.
Their (23-1) record last year shows they continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Last year’s ace pitcher senior Kayla Quinn, going on to play at Ursinus, was the power behind the plate.
Now a year later, you might say the foundation of the Quakers’ team relies on a lot of “Faith” coupled with a whole lot of “Grace.”
Junior right-hander Faith Fenton is in her third year playing for the Quakers. Fenton who played back-up pitcher to Quinn is now starting pitcher.
Fenton’s strength, skill and stamina come from within, but it’s the trust and body language that Fenton and catcher sophomore Grace Stansfield share that helps key in on each player at bat.
Dr. Donald Mittica (Doc) has been head coach of the PC softball program since its inception in 1992 and has more than 300 career wins to his credit with the Lady Quakers. Mittica knows well the capability of each of his team members.
“If you saw my senior pitcher last year on the mound (Kayla Quinn) she exuded leadership-unflappable and the team had ultimate confidence in her. Last year, we purposely gave Faith some big games. She did very well,” said Mittica.
This year’s team is made up of 16 members: Seniors Ayanna Matthews, Devon Loftus, Eileen Hennessy, Zoe Neele; juniors Faith Fenton, Abby Cohen, Bridgitte Gutpelet, Emily Zurcher; sophomores Ava Nicolucci, Celena Militello, Ciara McGee, Grace Stansfield, Jenny Locke; freshmen Abbey Quinn, Abby Manion and 8th grader Anastasia Lewis.
According to Mittica, Fenton’s practice on the mound last year gave her the confidence she needed in her abilities. In turn, her team reciprocated with that same assurance.
“They told me they had faith that she would do very well this year and have confidence in her-which she has and the transition is complete,” said Mittica.
That transition has poised well for the duo.
PC pitcher Faith Fenton describes the special bond between her and sophomore catcher Grace Stansfield
PC catcher Grace Stansfield talks about the unigue friendship she has with pitcher Faith Fenton
Stansfield started to catch for Fenton last year- hence the beginning of a perfect combination.
“Grace is only a sophomore but plays and runs the game like someone much older,” said Mittica.
“Grace calls the game. She is a smart, excellent catcher and more importantly Faith trusts her.”
“Better the wrong pitch with confidence then the right pitch with no confidence,” said Mittica.
PC catcher Grace Stansfield vs. The Baldwin School
PC pitcher Faith Fenton vs. The Baldwin School
“They keep getting better and better together- it’s rewarding to see. Many give all the success to the pitcher-it’s a battery! When both are in sync it is wonderful.”
Fenton and Stansfield are also friends both on and off the field.
“Grace really knows “Faith stuff”,” said Mittica.
About that stuff…. It’s what great players are made of- A chemistry and bond, so to speak, that is reflective through body language which filters through from one-player to another.
“She is a control pitcher, does not walk many and keeps the ball down. This keeps fielders busy and on their toes which helps focus,” said Mittica.
This mind and body confidence has worked well for the Lady Quakers. Its success continues to be the main mantra of Mittica to his team.
‘We work as a team on body posturing *(Amy Cuddy) and body language. Faith’s is excellent.”
“It’s basically called “Mound Presence” teams need it in their pitcher-Faith has it.”
Faith Fenton talks about her method while on the mound.
Penn Charter vs. The Baldwin School
“It all leads to positive team energy” said Mittica.
No matter what you want to call it… mind-body confidence, chemistry, skill….
For the Lady Quakers it all comes down to two very systemic elements….
A mound based on “Faith” and that winning combination…well… simply called… “Grace”.
The lady Quakers are now (6-0). Inter-Ac league play continues this Thursday, 4/19 at home against Episcopal Academy.
*(Amy Cuddy is a social psychologist and researcher at Harvard Business School whose research has linked body positioning to people’s perception and body chemistry.)