ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Ali DiBlasio

Ali DiBlasio has made quite the first impression in her first season with the Foundation Academy softball team (3-3 as of Feb. 21), having played a pivotal role in each game of a three-game winning streak. The freshman for the Lions has a team-best .588 batting average to go with five RBI and 10 runs scored, and she also has Foundation’s first home run of the season to her credit. On the mound, DiBlasio has started five of six games for the Lions and has 24 strikeouts.

You play several positions. Which do you enjoy the most?

I love pitching. I just like having all the pressure on me and having the ball in my own hands. 

What’s your favorite Disney character?

My favorite Disney character is probably Rapunzel. I love her and I love her long hair. I just recently cut my hair, but I had really long hair. I like her personality.

How does it feel to have gotten off to such a strong start in your first season with Foundation Academy?

It’s really great because it kind of picked up where they left off last year — district champs and going all the way to regionals. So it feels really great. We lost a few big starters from last year, but I think we picked up and we keep improving every game.

How welcoming has everyone on campus been?

Everyone is so welcoming. They want to help you, and they want to push you forward to get you to improve.

What is your least favorite chore to do around the house?

I hate doing the dishes. It takes so much time to clean each dish, and you have to be perfect and make sure every spot is clean.

What’s your favorite non-softball activity?

I really like just hanging out with my family and spending quality time with them. My sister is pregnant and she’s actually due this week, so a few weeks ago we all went out to celebrate and it was really fun.

Which games are you looking forward to the most this season?

I’m really looking forward to the next Cornerstone (Charter) game (March 3). (When we played them Feb. 11) we really hung with them in the first two innings, and then our defense kind of struggled. I’m really excited for that game and then also the next game against Faith Christian (March 18), because those are both big district games.