Name: Erica Casacci
Age and/or Calendar Years of College Attendance: 21; 2008-2012
College(s) Attended: Boston University
Sport(s): Softball
How did you "decide" to become a College Athlete?: I didn’t really decide… At first, I had no intention of continuing to play after the 8th grade, but just play for my high school. I was pressured by my father to continue playing softball at a high caliber and during my sophomore year of high school, I was asked to come play for an 18U Gold Team, the highest level. We went to all sorts of big tournaments with the best college scouts in attendance. I began to see that maybe playing college softball could be a possibility for me. I worked very hard both on and off the field to catch the eyes of D1 schools. I had gotten some looks at prospective colleges and universities but none that really sparked my interest. After one of the tournaments, Boston University’s assistant coach contacted me saying that she was interested in me and will be watching me at an upcoming tournament. I had no idea who or what BU was, but I did my research and was really impressed with the university and their athletics department. So, I held BU off as my last official visit and made my decision to commit to BU the day after I came home from my visit. I honestly can say I do not know if I would have picked out that school if it weren’t for softball, but seeing myself grow and adjust to the Northeast and have such a wonderful experience, I feel as though BU was the perfect place for me.
Accomplishments in Your Sport: America East Champion 2009, 2010; NCAA Regional Participant 2009, 2010; America East Regular Season Champions 2010, 2011, America East All-Rookie Team 2009, All Tournament Team 2010
Accomplishments in the Classroom: Dean’s List 2009, 2010, 2011; America East Honor Roll 2010, 2011
Favorite Memory (Memories) of College: Hitting my first collegiate homerun sophomore year.
Funny Stories: Ever since freshman year, I made a bet with my friend Lee that if I ever hit a homerun in my 4 years, then he would have to do a naked lap around West Campus. I never thought I would actually win the bet, but I succeeded in my goal my sophomore year. It was the America East Tournament, Semi-final game. The score was 0-0 in the bottom of the third inning. We had runners on first and third and I come up to the plate. Now, I am not exactly a power hitter. I’m a slapper and so I usually play the small ball to “set the table” aka get on base for the power hitters to hit me in. So, my coach calls a timeout and approaches me. I’m calm and cool and he asks me how I’m feeling hitting in this situation. He said, “All we need right here is a long fly ball so that we score the girl on third base, preferably hit it to the right side of the field.” I said ok and went back to the plate. First pitch was a ball. Second pitch was an inside change up and I crushed it to right field. I am thinking I hit a long ball to right and run as fast as I can to try to get a double out of the hit. As I am about to cross second base, I realize that the ball was not caught but still going and going… and it hits the top of the 200ft sign and bounces over to the other side of the fence. I cannot believe it! I am so excited I am running so fast that I almost overrun the girl in front of me and miss home plate (which both could have resulted in me getting out). My teammates are making fun of me for my excitement because I literally ran the fastest time around the bases with my arms in the arms instead of a nice slow homerun trot. My teammates were cheering as if we had just won the National Championship all screaming in anticipation waiting for me at home plate. Our pitcher picked me up immediately and carried me into the dugout. The best part was that I turned to my team and said, “NOBODY call Lee and tell him. I want to tell him.” After the game, I had so many excited texts from friends and Lee! He said “Well, I guess I need to start getting in shape.” It was the best day of my softball career because not only did I hit a homerun but I also went 3-4 in that game. I will always remember that game because if it weren’t for my 3 run homerun then we may not have won 4-3 against Maine and go to the championship.
Regarding the Pressures/Expectations of Being a College Athlete: These past four years have not been an easy journey. There have been a lot of ups and downs due to the pressure of balancing my social life, academics, and athletics. I receive a lot of pressure from my father to be the best softball player that I can be, but his negative feedback and the way he handles my mistakes or bad games really affected me. I still to this day believe that my coach does not think that I am a good enough player or that he sees me as a integral part of the team. Freshman year was a whirlwind. I had the opportunity to start as a freshman and got my chance but the glory didn’t last long because my best friend and roommate took my spot. I was crushed. My self-confidence from that point on was never the same and is still a constant battle as a senior. I cried after every game that I didn’t play and my frustration was only doubled when having to talk to my dad. Sophomore year was my shining moment. I was starting and doing well. I even accomplished goals that I did not think were ever possible both on the field and in the classroom. But by junior year, I was right back to where I started. Always scared that my position would be taken away, trying to appease my coach with my performance, maintaining a good GPA. It became too much for me to handle. I was falling apart fast and I felt that no one could relate to me and my situation, not even my closest teammates. So, I had to seek help from a different source: behavioral health. I started to see a therapist and talk out my frustrations, worries, and negativity. I began to see things in a more positive light and be grateful to be in the present situation. I learned how to cope with my stressors and keep my head up when I struggle with athletics or academics. I’m a work in progress and everyday I strive to be a stronger person and my experience from being a college athlete has made me who I am today.
In Summary, How Being A College Athlete/Coach/Parent/Fan has had an impact upon your life in the past, present, and future: I wouldn’t trade this experience of being a Division 1 athlete for anything. It is something that most people do not ever get the chance to experience, and I have been so blessed to earn a collegiate scholarship for athletics. It has instilled in me a pride that will last me a lifetime.
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