Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Sommer Speers

The Sarasota High softball team won three of five games during a grueling stretch from March 3 through 8 and senior outfielder Sommer Speers played a crucial part of those triumphs. 

Speers went 6-for-14 at the plate with two doubles, five runs, seven RBIs, four stolen bases and two walks. 

She's a slap-hitter, but said she’s leaning more into her natural swing this season, and that’s helped lead to better statistics. She currently leads the Sailors in hits (13) and batting average (.565).

When and why did you start playing softball?

I think I started when I was in the fifth grade. My best friend at the time just started, and I wanted to be like her, so I started too. I also liked the time I got to spend with my dad because he played college baseball, so I think that was a really cool thing that we got to bond over.

What’s been the most memorable part of this season so far?

We went axe throwing last week, and that was really fun. That was kind of like a let loose kind of day. We were wound up pretty tight from a long week and it was just a fun way to go into a tournament.

What’s your favorite all-time softball memory?

I played on a 16U travel ball team and there was a tournament we were playing in. It was a late night game, and it was the day before my 16th birthday, and I had a two-run home run and we won against a team we always loved playing. That was a big win and a really fun night.

What has gone right for you so far this season?

I would say I’ve been really dialed in with hitting. I’ve gone up to the plate without any stress or anything that was weighing on me.

What is your favorite meal? 

At home I like tacos or anything Mexican. As far as restaurants, I like Mr. and Mrs. Crab. It’s this seafood boil place up in Bradenton. I get like a whole pound of crab, shrimp, potatoes and crawfish. 

What’s your favorite TV show or movie?

My favorite TV shows are Friends and The Office. Movies depend on the genre, but I’d say Ten Things I Hate About You. It’s a really fun rom-com that I like.

Do you have a go-to warm-up song?

I like listening to grunge music, like Alice in Chains and Metallica. Just kind of those straight rock bands. 

If you’re not playing softball, what are you doing?

I’m at the gym or I’m at the beach with my friends. We kind of go out and do a lot of random things sometimes, but I’m usually at the gym or the beach.

What’s been your most humbling moment in softball?

Last summer with my travel team. It was the worst season I’ve ever played, and it was tough because my head coach for my travel team is an assistant coach at the college I’m going to, so that was really stressful, absolutely blowing it and him being there to watch me and coach me for the first time. 

Who’s your favorite softball player and why?

Amanda Lorenz. She used to play for the Gators. She’s always been my favorite. I remember going to games and watching her when I was younger. My dad and I loved her. She was a cool outfielder and a big hitter and she has my energy. She’s super, super hyper.

Finish this sentence. Sommer Speers is…

Funny.