By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

The Falcon softball team has a lot in front of them this season and will look for support from sophomore infielder Amanda Peters.

Peters grew up in a family tradition rich with baseball. She first started hitting and fielding balls in first grade.

Peters is supported by both of her parents, Dave and Maureen; and two younger sisters, Krista and Hanna. "My best childhood memory would have to be growing up on the farm with my sister Krista," said Peters. "We would often go walking through the woods, play catch, and hit balls in the fields."

She went on to attend Pepin High School where she was a softball standout.

Peters, or Pete as her friends would call her, earned three softball letters as well as three all-conference awards over her high school career. She was also the co-captain of her team and won the team's Golden Glove Award. Peters was also named to the Senior All-Star Game, the Red Wing Republican Eagle first All-Area team, and the all-district squad.

Peters was not only limited to softball at Pepin. She was also involved in volleyball and basketball. Peters also took stats for the Pepin football team.

"If I had to play another sport in college it would basketball. I went to the UW-Madison basketball camps growing up and I loved the game."

Following high school, Peters made the decision to attend River Falls. She based her decision on both the academics River Falls would offer her along with the fact that she would be able to play softball.

In her first season with the Falcons, Peters was limited due to a shoulder injury that cut her season short. She only was able to play in two games and stepped up to the plate once.

"Coming off my shoulder injury was a lot of hard work. Not only was there the physical aspect of healing and strengthening it, but there was also the emotional aspect as well. I didn't know how my teammates would receive me after a year of not playing. They welcomed me back with open arms."

Falcon Coach Faye Perkins said of Peters, "She had shoulder surgery last spring and has made a 100 percent comeback. Amanda will play at first base and she could help us at second. Her hitting has come along great and we expect big things from her at the plate."

Peters said she has a learned a lot from Perkins, mainly never to give up. She has also learned to always keep trying and stay dedicated.

The greatest influence in Peters' life is her faith. "Through my faith I believe that I am given strength to do anything possible."

So far this season, Peters is hitting .278 and has 10 hits, including one double. The double came in a 4-0 win over Franklin & Marshall on March 15 in Florida. She has started every game - 11 at first base and one at second. She is tied for second with five RBI and has scored four runs. She has batted third, fifth and eighth in the order. She has had three multiple hit games. She had two RBI in the team's 14-0 win over MCLA on March 16 in Florida.  

In her spare time Peters enjoys spending time with friends and going on long walks.

"I really do not have a lot of spare time," said Peters. "I work on the UWRF Recreation Staff so that takes up most of my time when I am not in class, studying, or practicing softball."

Peters will always remember the great moments the Falcon team has together both on and off the field. She will definitely remember the ride back in a van from a tournament in Duluth this last fall where the team played "Name That Tune," in what Peters calls, "karaoke style."

Peters is majoring in health and human performance and plans on graduating in 2008.