April 20, 2018
By Andy Kuros, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - After being cut during Penn State's softball tryouts in the fall of her freshman year, Amanda Grieco spent the majority of her first year in Happy Valley playing for Penn State's club softball team. Fast forward a year and the now-sophomore once again attended the team's tryouts hoping to earn a spot in the program as a walk-on.
Although Grieco admitted the second time around was another difficult week of practice, she got the news of a lifetime by head coach Amanda Lehotak and her staff - she made the team.
"It was just so surreal. It was awesome," Grieco said.
"Another great walk-on," Lehotak said of her new sophomore infielder. "She tried out last year but we didn't take her because our roster size was pretty big, but luckily she came back this year. Her and Ashton (Messinger) have probably been two of the best things that have ever happened to us. (Grieco's) so appreciative to be here, and so badly wants to be here."
Just making the team, however, wasn't enough for Grieco. Without a doubt, the nursing major has been a great addition on the field for the Blue and White. She's started a total of 28 games and is tied for first on the team in runs with 17 over the course of her first season.
"I just think getting on base is really important in any way you can. It doesn't really matter how," Grieco said. "Scoring runs is the biggest aspect of the game."
"I just show up and work hard every day," Grieco added about her early success. "I think hard-work pays off."
Coach Lehotak has certainly noticed Grieco's hard work and drive that has helped her become an impact player in such a short amount time.
"Her work ethic is amazing in the classroom and on the field," Lehotak commented. "And just who she is as a person, too. She's high character and will do anything for the team. A very selfless person, which is just so contagious."
"Amanda's worked her way into the lineup. She's had a really good year for not playing for two years (since high school). If this is her baseline now, I can't imagine how much better she's going to be next year."
Grieco credited the upperclassman on the team for helping to make her transition from a club player to a varsity starter easier.
"I think everybody's great, but all the seniors, Jess (Cummings), Gianna (Arrizurieta), Toni (Polk), Tori (Dubois), and (Madison Shaffer) have all been here for me since day one," Grieco said. 'It's be awesome."
"When I was deciding if I wanted to join the team, the players were a big part of it. The players on the team helped me decide to say yes to coach," Gireco added. "They helped me a lot. I think if it was a different team I don't think I would've said yes. I played club and was really close with those people, so leaving them was hard. But I think my teammates here really confirmed my decision to say yes."
Grieco will look to continue her good play on the field as her and the Nittany Lions prepare to take on Indiana for a three game road series this weekend.