Dayton Softballer is Diamond In The Rough

Despite its surprisingly successful spring campaign, the Dayton Bulldogs softball program still remains a work in progress. And their quest for improvement has continued this summer.     

Every Bulldog available to play in this summer's U-18 division [under 18 years of age league] put in hard work and showed enthusiasm. No one, however, epitomizes Bulldog spirit and heart more than left fielder Ali Diamond.    

"Ali is the only incoming senior that we have playing for us this summer," said co-head coach Cathy Mooney. She is always energetic, cheers on her teammates, and tries to keep everyone's spirits up."      

Diamond, who was sparingly used last season under JDHS head coach Wendy Saladino, has seemingly found a place on the summer team due to her work ethic, leadership, and burgeoning skills. An overachiever on the field, she's provided a stabilizing presence on a team that certainly needs it. Springfield's U-18 squad is currently winless [0-7].   

Mooney's co-coach, Laura Delia, said this squad has a long ways to go but is very appreciative of the effort Diamond puts forth even during these trying times.   

"We're a young team. It's our first year on the high school level of the league," she said. "Ali's done a decent job hitting but she does get on base a lot and helps us with her speed because she runs the bases very well…I've known Ali since she was in the fourth grade. She's funny and easy-going and her continued support of the team and the pitchers is what I love about her."         

Delia admitted, however, that likeability and rah-rah can only take you so far. A player's real value is on the actual playing field. And that's where Diamond has made her biggest leap.    

"She needs to work on her timing at the plate more but she is one of the top three base runners we have," said Delia. "Ali should be able to start on varsity next year. She plays summer almost every year and has improved. This can only help her [get more playing time next spring]."    

Mooney said that Diamond's effort is what sets her apart. And although the overall team results aren't what the coaches want, they feel Diamond is doing a great job as a senior leader in showing the other girls what it takes.    

"She's good in that [leadership] position because she's playing left field for us and makes every effort out there to make a play," Mooney said. "Putting her out there, we know she'll run to the ball. And she's had some great catches out there."    

Diamond has also noticed the positive effect that playing this summer has had on her as a leader and in the way she's been playing.   

"Summer softball is definitely a great way to keep me in the groove. Without it I probably would not be doing much to improve my game," she admitted. "I've noticed my hitting is gradually starting to improve and that was my biggest goal."   

She added that her three years of varsity experience allows her to speak up more and she's taken more pride in the fact that she's one of the few varsity leaders playing this summer.    

"Being an older player puts me in a huge position as a leader," Diamond said. "I've noticed when the team needs that extra boost of encouragement and when I need to help push out that talent I know each girl has. It's my job to provide extra helpful tips to anyone in need."    

Diamond hopes her leadership and development on the field helps her earn more playing time. She believes it can only help her build the type of relationship with Saladino as she has with Delia and Mooney.       

"I've known Cathy and Laura for some time now and feel they already know what kind of player I am and what my strength and weaknesses are, so they work their best to work with me," she said. "With Coach Saladino she had to learn everybody's strengths and weaknesses at once and be able to put it all together…[but] with another summer of improvement and playing my preferred position of left field, I hope it'll give me that extra boost so I can earn that [starting] position next spring."    

Coaches and players associated with Dayton softball knows that if anyone is capable of willing—and working—her way into the starting lineup, it's Ali Diamond.