TCNJ

21 SPRING 2020 BILL CARDONI > When I was learning to pitch as a kid we practiced in this big gym that had high ceilings. I was the only girl whose ball would hit the ceiling or the basketball hoops. It was horrendous. Eventually that settled down. > A lot of young girls say, "I want to be doing something every play, I want to pitch." But then a divide starts between who actually likes it, because it's a lot of pressure. I really enjoyed it and by the time I was 11 years old, I ran with pitching. > Freshman year at TCNJ, I became the closing pitcher, so I came in at the end of the game a lot, which is such a big role on the team. > At the end of the first game, I was so nervous. It was against Rowan, our softball rival. I don't even remember if we won or lost. I just thought, "Wow, this is intense, but my coach and my team prepared me for this." > I am known for my ability to throw different pitches with lots of spin and with great control of pitch location. My pitches also vary in speed, so that can be deceptive to the batter. > Missing my junior year because of COVID-19 cancellations is extremely disappointing. Many of us on the team had skill breakthroughs right before the season had to end, so we won't get the opportunity to play them out until next year. > My major is mechanical engineering and I considered an electrical minor because my dream job was to design the next airplane. I talked to a professor about it and he had a connection at Lockheed Martin. I didn't pick up the minor, but I have been working at Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, New Jersey, every summer and winter break since my freshman year. > I am helping to develop radar systems for the military there, which can be used to identify and track potential threats. It's been a really awesome job because I am helping soldiers. It's real work. —as told to Kara Pothier How I Got Here ELIZA SWEET '21 Whether it's her precise ball location or military radar work, this pitcher is focused on winning.

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