On Monday, Sept. 30, senior softball star Sam Friscia announced her commitment to continue playing the sport she loves at West Chester University. Friscia is the second Class of 2025 member on the Scotch Plains-Fanwood softball team to pursue softball at the collegiate level.
“At first, I didn’t want to play in college, and then West Chester changed my mind,” Friscia told The Fanscotian. “The coaching staff is really good, the team has good chemistry [and] it’s a really nice campus.”
Founded in 1871, West Chester University is a public research institution located in Pennsylvania, fairly close to Washington D.C, New York City and Philadelphia. The Golden Rams compete at the Division II level in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
The team ended the 2024 campaign with a record of 36-22, finishing third in the PSAC east. To highlight the year, on May 4, WCU defeated East Stroudsburg 11-7 in Quakertown, claiming the 2024 PSAC Championship—the third time they have won this tournament.
“[I am most excited for] the environment that there is at a college campus,” Friscia said. “There are so many people watching the games, so the energy that comes with the game [is something to look forward to].”
Under the Untamed Program in Kenilworth, NJ, Friscia expanded her game to three positions—shortstop, outfielder and catcher—showcasing her talents to recruiters.
Playing on the SPF softball team since her freshman year, Friscia has been one of the most consistent hitters as the Raiders produced an average 8.4 hits and 5.5 runs per game last year. In her three seasons, she slashed a .337 batting average with 86 hits and 45 runs batted in.
A third place finish in the Mountain Division and a record of 18-9 accentuates the considerable difference in results compared to the 2023 season where the team ended with a record of 11-15 and were defeated in the first round of the state tournament.
“We’ve developed and changed a lot for the better. After having two seasons where we weren’t the best, then really building a name for ourselves last year, it’s definitely an improvement,” Friscia said.
Along with being a pillar for the softball team, Friscia has a key role on the girls volleyball team, being third in kills with 50 and second in digs with 110. Awaiting the spring, Friscia aims to make the most out of both her senior seasons.
“I’m hoping we [can] make our mark again in the county and state [tournaments] and potentially win the [titles]” Friscia said.
