Centerfielder Amanda Genovese '15 knew, even in her junior year of high school, that she wanted to lead off for the Judges in her college softball career.

She sent an email to Coach Jessica Johnson that summer, encouraging her to attend her road games.

Genovese hadn't seen the Judges coach at any of her high school games, though, and prepared to forsake her dream.
However, Johnson was a hidden presence in the stands and recognized Genovese's potential. At the end of the summer, she sent Genovese a response-an offer to play for the Brandeis softball team.

"I finally got that email over the summer and it was exciting because I didn't even know she was there," Genovese said. "I'm thankful for the opportunity I have here."

She has emerged as the Judges' biggest threat on the base paths. Genovese accumulated a Division III-leading 57 stolen bases in 42 games at the leadoff spot. She also scored 37 runs and maintained an impressive .437 batting average. 

Last week might have yielded the most impressive accolade, though-Genovese was named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III All-American.

Genovese's first at bat in a May 8 playoff game against Worcester State University, for example, speaks volumes about her approach on the field. She reached first on a bunt single, stole second base and then bolted to third and home base following consecutive wild pitches.

She credits her success to Johnson's constant tutelage and guidance.

"Coach knows everything about the game and makes everyone as perfect as they can be," she said. "She helped me adjust my leads and mechanics, and well, it seemed to have worked."

In eighth grade, Genovese shifted to the left side of the infield. From there, she focused on learning the art of "getting on base."

Genovese became a master of her craft, leading the team with 68 hits and a .481 on-base percentage this season. Additionally, she hit the first home run of her college career earlier this season.

However, she attributes much of this success to her teammates' ability to generate runs at the plate.

"We really work well together," Genovese said. "I need the rest of the order and the power hitters to bring me in [to home plate] and I can rely on my teammates for that."

That cohesiveness propelled the squad to a notable 23-15 mark on May 1. While the Judges then stumbled to four consecutive losses, including an upset at the hands of Worcester State on May 8, Genovese believes the NCAA Division III Tournament is in their sights for the 2014 season.

"We just need to get in a particular mindset," she said. "Right now, we think we're good but we have to play to our ability to not only be great but be Division III Champions."

Division III squads should then prepare for a revamped Judges squad-especially when Genovese reaches base.