By Five Boro Sports
The recruiting process was long and draining — like it is for most city softball players. Cecilia Ehresman just about had all one could ask for, too. The senior windmiller from Townsend Harris obviously has grades, plays travel ball with the Queens Nassau Comets and is skilled in the circle as well.
“It was really difficult,” Ehresman said. “None of the coaches will come to see you.”
In the end, she had options, including the potential to walk-on at either St. John’s or Fairfield, but Ehresman chose Catholic University, an academically sound Division III school in Washington, D.C. She’s guaranteed a good education and a roster spot, which is more than some schools were offering.
“All these coaches in New York are fascinated with California kids,” said Steve Ehresman, Cecilia’s father. “But they could have gotten a nice deal with her.”
Ehresman is one of the top pitchers in the PSAL, but she’s flown under the radar. She was a highly touted freshman right-hander for Harris three years ago, but she had her first high-school season cut short when she broke her left wrist in a bike accident. During her sophomore season, she missed eight games due to a tired arm and the Hawks lost six of them.
But Ehresman returned in the playoffs and pitched a gem against powerhouse and eventual champion Tottenville. She didn’t allow a hit until the fifth, when the Pirates started the inning with three straight bunts. Ehresman gave up just three runs on seven hits in six innings, while striking out seven. Harris lost 3-0.
Last season, she pitched the whole year, but also lost 3-0 to a Staten Island team in the playoffs. Ehresman, who can hit 62 mph on her fastball, gave up one earned run on three hits and struck out 10 in seven innings against McKee/Staten Island Tech.
Harris (3-1 Queens A-I) is young this season, but its division is also inexperienced, aside from Cardozo. Ehresman is 2-1 with a 1.40 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 25 innings. In the season opener, she tossed a no-hitter against Van Buren, striking out 17 batters.
“I think we’re going to be very competitive,” she said.
For that to happen, the Hawks’ young players must grow up. Victoria Baamonde, who is hitting .417 and slugging .750, has shown plenty of potential.
“They have to be more sure of themselves,” Ehresman said.
She is sure now of where she’s going to school next year. It’s certainly a load off her back.
“It’s just a really good situation for us,” Steve Ehresman said.
