Angelo to Play in Queen of Diamonds Showcase

Hard work pays off. And for Jessie Angelo, hard work has paid off big time this summer.

Angelo, who was the starting center fielder for the Brookfield High School (BHS) softball team this past season, has been selected to play in the Queen of Diamonds Showcase East event that will take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island, on August 21 and 22.

Angelo has spent the summer working on her game, playing over 40 games for the travel team Cheshire Wildcats.  This is nothing new for Angelo, who is determined to improve herself.  She has played for the Wildcats for the past four summers.

That hard work and her development as a player during her sophomore year have earned her a spot in the inaugural QDSE.  Building on the success if its sister showcases in the north and south, which are considered to be the largest fast pitch softball showcases of their kind in the U.S., the QDSE is now giving players from 17 states and two Canadian Provinces a chance to showcase their talents in the east.

Angelo had to apply to the event to be selected.  She was chosen based on her stats, academics and the way she answered specific questions.

The opportunity will be a great learning experience for Angelo.

"It's a big thing," she said.  "There will be a lot of girls competing and so many people there to help me learn how to be a better leader."

Angelo will not only have to step up her game next season for the Lady Bobcats, but she will also have to take on more of a leadership role with the team losing a large core of senior players.

BHS head coach Frank Bonacci was glad to hear she was working so hard in the off-season.

"I'm glad she is looking to get better," he said.  "There will be a lot of better players in New York for her to measure her game against.  She can take the experience for what its worth.  There will probably be a lot of college coaches looking at her"

Angelo began last season batting ninth but she was moved to the top of the lineup by the end of the season just in time for the team to make its playoff run.  She felt very rewarded by the move to the leadoff spot because of the hard work she had put in.

"I worked hard at it and I hoped he [coach Bonacci] would notice," she said.  "I have to continue to work hard at hitting, always practice every week, try to learn new things and work on my 'slapping.'"

Angelo is a natural righty who batted strictly left-handed all last season.  She converted to lefty to utilize her speed and the 'slapping' technique.

"Her father took the bull by the horns.  I'm very happy they took the initiative," coach Bonacci said of Angelo's dedication.  "She has two seasons left, she could be big for us.  I'm hoping she has a breakout year.  She's not going to have anything handed to her though, she will have to come in and earn it."

For now, Angelo is set to enjoy herself at the biggest showcase event she has ever participated in.

"I have to have fun to stay calm," she said of her approach to the event.  "If I try to show off too much I will get too excited.  I need to stay calm."