COLUMBIA, Mo. - Two years ago, Mizzou Softball sophomore Amanda Sanchez (West Covina, Calif.) was finishing up her outstanding high school career at Bishop Amat. Following excellent freshman and sophomore campaigns for Bishop Amat, Sanchez jumped on the national scene after hitting .569 with six home runs as a junior in 2013.
The outstanding season garnered her All-Del Rey League recognition and solidified herself as a top collegiate freshmen class of 2014 recruit. Sanchez had one final performance up her sleeves for her senior year and she didn't disappoint. The sweet-swinging lefty posted a .442 batting average with six home runs, eight doubles and 24 RBIs, en route to All-Area recognition.
During the fall of 2014, Sanchez made her trek east to Columbia, Mo., for her first season in the black and gold. With her distinguished high school career in the rear-view mirror, Sanchez was fully aware of the new challenges and adjustments that awaited her in one of the premier collegiate softball conferences in the country.
Following a successful fall campaign and series of offseason workouts, Sanchez had shown enough to head coach Ehren Earleywine as he penciled her into the starting lineup at third base in the team's season opener. Sanchez made sure not to let go of that coveted starting spot as she started in each of the Tigers' 58 games a season ago.
Sanchez' prowess at the plate was on display all season long, ultimately leading to an outstanding slash line of a .347 batting average, 14 home runs and 56 RBIs. The Southeastern Conference office took note of her exemplary first season and named her to the 2015 Freshman All-SEC team.
For Sanchez, the honor brought a whirlwind of emotions to the table.
"It meant a lot to me," Sanchez said. "I felt honored to receive the award but I couldn't have done it without the help of my teammates and coaches."
Arguably the most impressive accomplishment from her first-year campaign was her ability to drive in runners. Sanchez finished second among Mizzou hitters with 56 RBIs, trailing only Sami Fagan's school-record 66 RBIs. The impressive run production total also ranked highly in program history as her 56 RBIs were tied for the eighth-most in a single season.
Like Fagan, Sanchez continually showed the ability to come through in the clutch with runners in scoring position. In those situations, Sanchez attributed her success to an uncomplicated mindset inside the batter's box.
"I keep it simple at the plate," Sanchez said. "My thought process is nothing but simple. I want to get a good pitch, be on time and put a good swing on it. I don't try to do too much and don't worry about the outcome. Whatever happens will happen."
As the 2015 season statistics showed, more times than not Sanchez came through in a positive fashion for the Tigers a season ago. The excitement and sense of accomplishment she felt each time out was something she wouldn't forget.
"The feeling is a pretty good one," Sanchez proclaimed. "A softball game isn't easy to win because the game could change in the matter of one pitch. Helping out my team in any way is a good feeling."
With her lofty production on the field and dynamic personality off the field, it's easy to see why Sanchez has already immersed herself as one of the team's leaders. While Sanchez is only entering her second season in black and gold, the significance of being counted on by her peers is quite high.
"It means a lot to me but I'm still learning a little more every day," Sanchez said. "I'm really excited about this upcoming year and the team we have."
The upcoming 2016 Mizzou Softball campaign is roughly four weeks away and expectations within the program continue to rise. Coach Earleywine's roster is well-rounded from top to bottom, including a potent lineup and deep rotation.
This year's group of talented Tigers are seeking the team's 10th consecutive NCAA Regional bid and eighth trip to the NCAA Super Regionals since 2007. As one of the team's before mentioned leaders, Sanchez knows her teammates must have a positive mindset each day in order to accomplish the team's lofty goals.
"The team's mindset during practice is to be focused and be ready to learn each time out," Sanchez said. "For gamedays, we need to take it pitch by pitch and be in the moment. If we do that then everything else will take care of itself."
Mizzou begins its 2016 journey on Feb. 19 at the Citrus Classic in Kissimmee, Fla. With a talented player on the field and leader off the field like Sanchez, Tiger fans can expect yet another memorable season at University Field this spring.
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