Athlete of the Week: Melissa Malanczuk, Braden River Softball

What sports do you play besides softball?: I played volleyball my freshman year. Then, I played golf for the rest of three years (of high school).

Which sport do you like the best?: It’s between softball and golf because I have a really great passion for both. Mostly softball because I’ve been playing since I was like 7 or 8.

What’s the excitement level like at school with your team winning a region championship and advancing to the Final Four?: The excitement is getting higher because we’ve made it so much farther and we are making history. It feels good to have people around school saying, 'Good luck Monday for states.' Before when we had regionals, everyone knew about it. It’s really nice to have the excitement. I think it gives us more support for our next game.

So, this season has been your best softball memory?: Yes, especially with this being my senior year.

Before this year, what probably would have been your No. 1 softball memory?: I think one of my best softball memories over the last four years was when we won the district championship my freshman and sophomore years.

What’s your favorite subject?: Math. I’m in Pre-Cal(culus). It’s only the subject that I know exactly what to do. I’m a visual learner, so math can really relate to that.

How are your grades?: Right now, I have all A's.

Where are you going to school next year?: I don’t know. I applied to USF (University of South Florida), but I haven’t heard back. If that doesn’t work out, I got accepted to UT (University of Tampa) with a scholarship (academic). I don’t know if I’m going to go there yet because it’s a private school and it costs a lot of tuition. I’m thinking about going to SCF (State College of Florida) to major in nursing.

Why would you like to work in the field of nursing?: I just love helping others and caring for others. I want to be there when someone needs someone the most. Like I said before, just helping others. A family friend of mine was a nurse. I just love her attitude about everything. I want to be positive, and I think nursing would be the best way to accomplish that.

Favorite actor/actress: My favorite actor is Johnny Depp. I just love him in “Pirates of the Caribbean.” My favorite actress would probably be Sandra Bullock.

What sports do you follow?: I watch college softball. I’ve been watching the hockey with the Stanley Cup. I’ve been a (Tampa Bay) Lightning fan. I watch baseball with the (Tampa Bay) Rays. I usually go see them play (at Tropicana Field).

Favorite athlete: Evan Longoria, the third baseman for the Rays.

Who are your role models?: I look up to my cousin, Chatal, and my aunt, Olga. They have supported me with everything that I do. My aunt passed away two years ago. She loved me like the most. She was my favorite aunt. She just helped me stay positive throughout life.

In 10-15 years, where do you see yourself?: In 10-15 years, I can see myself still being a nurse and having a family. I’ll probably still be here in Bradenton. Most of my family is in Canada, but my parents stay close to all of them.