Lakeland senior pitcher Nicole Mautone has enjoyed a highly successful five years on the Hornets’ varsity softball team.
As a sophomore and junior, she earned both All-League and All-Section honors, while as a freshman she received All-League honors and All-Section honorable mention.
Mautone is one of Lakeland’s captains, along with Taryn Bruno, Jenna Yazzetti and Liliana Aguirre.
Against Pearl River on May 5 at Lakeland, you recorded your 500th career strikeout. What did it mean to reach that milestone? It meant a lot to me to accomplish my 500th career strikeout because it’s something I’ve been working towards for years and it felt great to reach this milestone.
How old were you when you started playing softball and what got you started? I was 8 years old, but before that I played tee ball. When I was younger I also got the chance to play in some baseball games too.
I got to experience both softball and baseball growing up which made me grow my love for this sport.
What is your favorite part of being on the Lakeland softball team? It’s definitely creating new friendships with my teammates, making unforgettable memories, sharing laughs and supporting each other whether it’s in season or in the offseason.
What is your favorite team activity or pre- or post-game ritual? My favorite postgame activity is going to Chili’s after every Friday game because everyone gets to spend time together outside of softball. It’s a great way to make memories, laugh, and have fun together off the field.
Who has been your biggest role model? My biggest role models have been my parents and coaches. They push me to be the best I can and always support me throughout everything. They show me what hard work and discipline is.
What’s one thing about yourself that most people don’t know? I like to play pickleball a lot. It’s a fun thing to do with friends and family, and I like how competitive it gets.
Especially during the summer it’s always a fun thing to do and keeps you active.
What do you plan to do after high school? I plan on attending Western Connecticut State University to continue my athletic career playing softball. I’m also majoring in sports management.
What’s your favorite sports team? The New York Yankees. I’ve been watching them since I was little so they’ve always been my favorite team.
Growing up watching them has also inspired me as an athlete. My family and I go to the games a lot and it’s always a blast. It’s something we all enjoy and make fun memories of.
What’s your go-to warm-up music? Anything Drake or upbeat. It gets me hype and locked in for the game. I’m a huge fan of his music so it always gets my energy up and ready to play.
What’s one place you’ve never been but would love to visit? Italy. I think it’s beautiful there. I would love to try the food and take pictures.
I think it’ll be cool to experience and it’ll be a very memorable trip.
What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Lakeland softball team? My advice is to always work hard and have fun. Stay constantly dedicated and never give up even when times get tough, it’s important to stay positive and learn from your mistakes because that’s how you grow into a better athlete. Be patient, come in with a good attitude and keep pushing yourself every day to be the best you can be.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here