“I just didn’t want to just sit on the side anymore,” says Lina Schwippert, describing her beginnings in softball. The 19-year-old, initially just a spectator at her sister’s games, quickly worked her way onto the field. Today she is the Senators’ first U22 national player. This year she also attended the U22 European Championships in Kutno, Poland, with the national team.
At the age of four, Schwippert moved with her family from Düsseldorf to the USA. However, she visits her hometown every year, which she still calls home despite the great distance. In the United States, she graduated from high school and began playing softball at Limestone University, a sport that has many similarities to baseball but is primarily dominated by women. However, since she was dissatisfied with the organization of the training, she transferred to Spartanburg Methodist College in South Carolina in order to find more demanding training conditions there.
Bella Dayton, Montana Fouts and Monica Abbott as role models
She got into softball through her sister. But at some point watching was no longer enough for her. She wanted to play herself – and discovered her passion. In addition to training at high school, she received private group lessons through her parents. Schwippert particularly emphasizes the support of her parents, who accompanied her significantly in her aspiring career – from organized training to joint practice sessions with her father. In addition, they are inspired by role models such as Bella Dayton, Montana Fouts and Monica Abbott, three successful softball players who have helped shape their path.
She currently plays for Spartanburg, but continues to compete for the Düsseldorf Senators. She particularly appreciates the training at her current college because the units are better organized and she finds the interaction with her teammates more pleasant. For Schwippert, communication within the team is essential as it significantly influences cohesion and thus the success of the game. She therefore maintains good relationships with her teammates off the field.
Schwippert sees her greatest strength in the joy with which she fulfills her role as a pitcher. “I do the sport for myself,” she says. This calmness helps her to go into every game with self-confidence. Stress and nervousness are rare, and a few motivating words like “You can do it” are enough to mentally prepare for the next challenge. The balance not only helps her in the game, but also in everyday life. Softball offers her a retreat that allows her to leave the stress of everyday life behind her.
Professional career is conceivable
One of the highlights of her career so far is Schwippert’s participation in the U22 European Softball Championship. She emphasizes how many new experiences she was able to gain through the event and praises the coordination and dynamics in the team, which worked excellently despite being put together at short notice. In the future, Schwippert can imagine pursuing a professional career in softball, although she sees greater opportunities in Germany. Alternatively, she would like to pursue a career in the medical field, perhaps in a hospital.
With her young but already impressive career, Schwippert is a role model for everyone who wants to get started in softball. Her advice to beginners: “Never give up. With patience and regular training, you can achieve anything in softball.”
