Student-Athlete Spotlight: Emma Agostini

Sport: Softball
Year: Senior (C'17)
Position: Pitcher/First Base
Hometown/High School: Centereach, N.Y./Centereach
Major: Mathematics
 
Why did you choose Drew University?
I chose Drew because it was a perfect fit for me both academically and athletically. I loved the campus and the small class sizes really appealed to me. 

Why did you choose your major and where will it lead you?
I chose my major because growing up math was always my favorite class; I always viewed math problems as a puzzle to be solved. As for teaching, I've wanted to teach for as long as I can remember.

What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
My most memorable moment was hitting my first career home run against Rutgers-Newark.

How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
Being an athlete has helped me learn to manage my schedule so that I can give my full attention to both my academic and my athletic goals. 

What is the most difficult part of your sport?
The most difficult part of my sport, and in particular being a pitcher, is knowing that my team is expecting me to and relying on me to always play my best. I never want to disappoint my teammates and there are times when it is really difficult to live up to their expectations.

Why do you wear your jersey number?
My first time playing softball for a school team in 7th grade, 9 was randomly assigned to me. That year we went undefeated in the league, and it's been my lucky number ever since. As a fun coincidence, 9 is also my dad's softball jersey number.

What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
Make sure you know what kind of an athletic experience you want before committing to a school and a team. For me, Division III is the perfect balance of athletics and academics. And of course, enjoying every second of your four years of college athletics because as a senior, I can assure you they go by fast. 

Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
Community service is an important way to take on a leadership role in your community, just as it is important to take on a leadership role on your athletic team and in your academic pursuits.

Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome...
In 2010 I tore my ACL, and the recovery for that injury was long and difficult. I made it back in time for my high school sophomore softball season and it was worth every second of the pain I went through getting myself ready for that season.

Rapid Fire:
Color? Purple
Food? Pasta
Restaurant? Houlihans
Movie? Shrek
TV Show? The Office
Musical Artist? One Direction 
Athlete? Dellin Betances
Pro Team? Yankees
Hobbies? Traveling 
Biggest Fear? Drowning
Most Prized Possession? Passport