2008 Woodie Awards
Player of The Week: Allison Zajac
Nate Green
Issue date: 4/24/06 Section: Sports
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Being the youngest person on the team is one thing, but as the starting third baseman is really what separates 16-year-old Allison "Allie" Zajac from the pack.
She grew up watching her older brother play baseball, he made it all the way up to the San Jose Aztecs, a local semi-pro team. Playing in leagues with older players taught her to be tough.
Zajac played her freshmen year at Prospect High School for the varsity team before passing her proficiency exam and entering community college.
She began playing at Foothill College until the softball team was cancelled due to the lack of players.
Zajac transferred to De Anza College and was being nervous at the tryouts. She thought her age would cast her out, but said she received much support from her teammates.
She immediately had a big impact on her team and provided experience despite her young age.
She shared her frustration that the Olympics would be dropping softball after the 2008 summer games. Her goal is to try out for the final Olympic softball team to fulfill her dream of playing for Team U.S.A.
"It's not about playing for the name on the back of your jersey, it's about playing for the one on the front of your jersey," she said.
Zajac has pride in her team and stresses the importance of teamwork. She looks forward to the next game she can play in, whether it be in this years playoffs or next season.
She is excited that the majority of the team is returning and she thinks they have bonded well and can grow even more as a team the more they play.
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