Spotswood High School Varsity Softball Team: Season Recap

This year, the Spotswood High School Varsity Softball team has seen a drastic change in their team dynamic. With new trips, tricks, and coaching abilities.

The girls have seen a significant change in their team since they joined when head coach Vinny Vizzi stepped up into the big role.

SHS Varsity Softball squad at Walt Disney World, FL during their trip of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Tournament.

Vizzi has given the girls opportunities to go to Disney to play over spring break to compete against other teams across the country to expand on their competition level, as well as team bond while being at the happiest place on Earth. He has also set up multiple fundraising opportunities and events that lead to the Disney trip being completely free for each player to attend.

Captain Karina Jennings noted that Vizzi and his fundraising tactics helped make this whole dream a reality. She said, “This wish came true by mainly fundraising and our parents chipping in at their own dispense, by doing events such as: A car show, A Cornhole Tournament, Spotswood Softball Attire Sales, and Discount Cards that are available to local businesses. Everyone lucked out from this”.

A notable play made by Junior Right Fielder Hanna Brown on the Disney field helped the Chargers take the gold. She said, “…There was a girl on second when a pop fly hit in the 3–4 hole where I had to charge the ball… I ended up throwing the girl out at home ending the game and securing the win”.

Captains Jennifer Pokropiniski and Karina Jennings spoke on behalf of Coach Vizzi. Pokropinski noted, “He always hypes us up… he gives us the best advice and always helps us when we need it”. Jennings tagged along by mentioning, “He will pull you aside when you are having a bad day and lets you know you are capable of more than you are now at this moment”.

Coach Vincente Vizzi encouraging his athletes prior to a game on thier home field.

Some of Spotswood’s most notable players, Hanna Brown along with Captains Karina Jennings and Jennifer Pokropinski, took the time to speak about their season thus far.

Righty hitter and Captain Karina Jennings representing the Chargers on their home turf.

Karina Jennings has been a part of the Varsity team since her Freshman year, and recently committed to Keystone College to continue her softball and academic career studying Sports Management. The centerfielder has racked in 17 RBI’s and 17 hits this year, making her average sit at .354 for the 2023 season. Last season, she notably received the First Team All Blue Division Conference for the 2022 playing year alongside teammate Hanna Brown.

During her time at Disney, Jennings had many notable season recordings. One being on April 13th, where she hit a walk-off single to win the game with 2 RBI’s.

Jennifer Pokropinski on signing day at Spotswood High School committing to Chestnut Hill College to continue her academic and athletic career.

Co-Captain Jennifer Pokropinski is one of Spotswood’s most notable players. She brings lots of attention to the team with her major stats and record breaking abilities. The third baseman is currently committed to continue her athletic and academic career at Chestnut Hill College studying Education.

Pokropinski is sitting at a record high batting average of .536, with 5 home runs, 121 career hits, and 30 of them being this season.

Lefty Hanna Brown up at bat at Sayerville War Memorial High School located in Sayerville, NJ.

Junior Hanna Brown has also been a key contributor in her 3 seasons thus far with the Chargers, by managing to get the ball in play during her at bats. The Right Fielder has been working hard since middle school to achieve her goals of making a difference on the Varsity dirt. Following in her alumni sister’s footsteps, the lefty hitter has slugged her way to the Varsity dirt her Freshman year. The Junior is currently looking at continuing her academic and athletic career at either Rowan University or Drew University to study Veterinary Medicine.

2023 Spostwood Varsity Softball Squad.

The Captains touched on their time this season as being leaders of the pack by explaining what it meant to have this high honor title. Jennings noted, “We pick each other up, we make each other fix our mistakes by helping each other out one by one”. Pokropinski noted, “We note what we are doing wrong, while Karina talks each one of us up when we are down”. The girls noted the secret to being a good captain is having the time and dedication factor that goes into this position, as well as being well rounded athletes overall.

The Chargers have a few games left in their regular season, but their team chemistry and legacy will live on.