Greenbrier seniors excel in their roles
Columbus, Ga. - Every great team has its role players. Greenbrier's fastpitch state championship team is no different.
Laura Tracy (left), designated defensive player for the Greenbrier softball team, and Vicki Mazur, pinch runner, embrace the roles that helped Greenbrier win the state title.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Lady Wolfpack coach Garrett Black said winning a state championship wouldn't have been possible without the play of seniors Laura Tracy and Vicki Mazur.
The impact of Tracy and Mazur will never be found in a box score or a scorebook.
The seniors have defined roles that are essential to the team's success, but despite their proficiency in their roles, they don't receive the attention that many of the other "stars" do.
Tracy has been with the program since she was a freshman. Her dad coaches softball and she has grown up with the sport.
That's why it was odd when Black came to Tracy and asked her to be a designated defender.
She responded with a perfect fielding percentage in 2004.
"I thought, I need to do what is best for the team," Tracy said. "If this is what coach needed, then I would have to do it."
Black also called on Tracy to pitch some this past season. She threw eight innings and has one win on the season.
Despite not hitting very often, Tracy is capable with the bat.
"Laura can hit the ball well," he said. "We just wanted to have an extra slap-hitter in the lineup."
Like Tracy, Mazur rarely swings a bat in games but has been counted as a pinch runner.
Mazur came from Aquinas two years ago knowing that she would be joining the premier softball program in the area.
"I was excited about playing for Greenbrier and coach Black," she said. "But, at first, I was a little upset about the role he needed me for. Of course I wanted to hit, but after awhile I understood how important my role was."
Mazur is among the team leaders in stolen bases and says she hopes to set an example for the younger players who might be asked to play the same role.
"I have never heard one complaint from Laura or Vicki," Black said. "I think they understood and embraced the roles they have be asked to fill. A coach can never ask for anything more."
Greenbrier girls win title
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