Stankiewicz Named NJCAA Division II National Softball Player of the Week

PHOENIX ---

South Mountain Community College freshman Mia Stankiewicz, a 5-4 infielder from Gilbert, Ariz., received National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Softball Player of the Week honors, the national office announced Mar. 10. In doubleheader sweeps of Paradise Valley Community College and Eastern Arizona College, Stankiewicz batted .714 (10-of-14) with eight runs, 11 RBIs, two home runs, four doubles, two triples and five stolen bases. 

Stankiewicz feasted on opposing pitchers all week. Against PVCC, she went 2-for-3 with a double, two stolen bases and a home run in the first game and then added another two stolen bases, a run and an RBI in the second win.

At Eastern Arizona, she smacked a grand slam in the seventh inning and finished with a triple, three runs and five RBIs in a 13-3 victory. In the second game, she went a perfect 4-for-4 with three doubles, a triple, two runs and three RBIs. 

"It was rewarding to see my batting skills and all the hard work we have put in as a team pay off," said Stankiewicz. " When you play, are having fun and not feeling too much pressure, the outcome is way more rewarding. I think the grand slam stood out because heading into the at-bat, I was relaxed and wasn't pressuring myself. I told myself to score one run, do my job, and that's what I did."

Her head coach, Brittney Matta, has seen Stankiewicz progress rapidly since the season started. 

"We were waiting for her to breakthrough, and it was apparent she was seeing the ball well all week," said Matta. "She used all her tools, hit the ball all over the field and is quick too. She also played outstanding defense and did a great job leading the group and communicating our pre-pitch plan. She is a hard worker and a resilient, persistent person." 

Part of that group of coaches waiting for Stankiewicz to break out was Mia's sister, Marisa. A former standout with the Arizona State Sun Devils, Marisa adds a familiar face to the fray for Mia during the game. 

"My sister is brilliant and loves to give me that knowledge in practice and games," Mia added. "It can be hard cause she is tough on me, but the end product is positive results. I like seeing her when I come back to the dugout, whether it has been a good or bad at-bat, and she has always something to say and make it a positive situation." 

Mia and the Cougars return to action on Saturday, Mar. 13, with a doubleheader at Scottsdale Community College. Game one starts at noon.