Sarah Chasse — Softball Pitcher

Sarah Chasse, a senior at and a , cuts down opposing batters like a mower with a sharp blade.

With a full arsenal of pitches, Chasse is also a great hitter and fielder.

Salem Patch had a chance to chat with Chasse over Facebook to ask her about softball, school, and what's in store for her next. Here's what she had to say:

Salem Patch: Are there different pitches in softball as in baseball? What's the best way to describe pitching a softball versus a baseball?

Sarah Chasse: Softball and baseball have the same pitches for the most part. Softball and baseball have fastball, changeup, screwball, curveball, drop, and rise. We just move our wrists a different way. Softball is underhand pitching and baseball is overhand.

SP: How does being a pitcher help you as a batter? Which do you like better, pitching or hitting?

SC: Being a pitcher, I feel I get a bit of an advantage as a batter. I always look at the pitchers hand to see how she is holding it. It gives me a sense of what pitch she might throw. I feel that as a softball player it is still harder to hit a ball coming underhand than from overhand. It's nothing that a person can't get used to though.

SP: Who is your favorite athlete?

SC: My favorite athlete is Tim Thomas. In my opinion, he is the best Bruins player they have. He is a hardworker and has had many incredible saves. I look up to him as inspiration to succeed in softball.

SP: Who is your role model?

SC: My parents are my role models. My dad is my athletic role model and my mom is my academic role model. They both support me equally with academics and athletics. My dad has taught me everything I know in softball and pushes me to succeed. My mother has always been the one to explain the importance of a good education and being the best I can be. They are both great role models and supporters.

SP: What's your favorite school subject and who's your favorite teacher?

SC: My favorite subject in school has always been math. I'm not saying it's easy for me to understand, but I do enjoy math.  I have a few favorite teachers, but my two ultimate favorite teachers would have to be Ms. Roy (my first grade teacher) and Ms. Davidowicz (my second and third grade teacher). They taught me the fundamentals of reading, writing, math and science. They have been two teachers that I know I could always go to for help.

SP: What are your plans for next year?

SC: I plan to attend either Salve Regina University or Suffolk University. My major will be business and I will be playing softball as a pitcher and outfielder.

SP: What will you miss most about Salem High?

SC: I will miss the class of 2011 the most. We all have such a great bond when we come together and have had many great memories.  It will be sad to see everyone go their seperate ways. Many will keep in touch and look forward to the reunions.

SP: What do you like to do in your spare time?

SC: I am a very busy person.  I like to do just about every sport and activity.

SP: What would your teammates or friends say is the best thing about you?

SC: My teammates and friends would call me reliable on and off the field.  I am always there for whoever needs me and I always try my best on the field.

SP: If you had to give something up, what would it be?

SC: If I had to give something up, it would have to be candy. I eat too much of it and giving it up wouldn't hurt my health.

SP: What's your favorite thing about Salem?

SC: My favorite thing about Salem would have to be Halloween.  Thousands of people come to Salem during Halloween dressed in c0stumes and to walk around downtown. As a resident it is always fun to see the tourists and to walk around the commons to view costumes.