East High softballer trying to switch things up

Finding good switch hitters is one of the biggest challenges a coach can have. Having someone who can hit with either hand is a dangerous weapon that any coach would love to have.

Anyone who has tried knows how difficult switch hitting is. Imagine how hard it would be to try not just hitting with, but playing with, your off hand. That's exactly what East High sophomore Susan Widdison was asked to do.

Midway through last season, head coach Laura Olson noticed that Widdison, a catcher who was playing right-handed, had both a left- handed and a right-handed glove.

She asked about the southpaw mitt, and the response she got surprised her. Widdison told Olson that her dad had bought the glove because she uses her left hand in most things and that she had just played right-handed because it simply felt comfortable.

After hearing that, Olson decided to ask Widdison to experiment playing left-handed. Widdison was open to the challenge.

"She didn't even think twice about it," Olson said.

Widdison, who was only partway through her first year playing softball when Olson made the request, had her work cut out for her. When asked what was her biggest challenge making the switch, Widdison responded, "It's not really hard."

It's this type of humility that has endeared her to her coach and teammates. But don't let her modesty fool you. Olson is quick to point out why she feels Widdison has made the transition so well: her ability and determination.

"She is a hard worker and great athlete," Olson said.

Her hard work on the switch has paid off.

"I can throw farther, faster and I'm more accurate," Widdison said. "I can actually throw the ball to second base."

Widdison is a multi-sport athlete who plays for East High's basketball and volleyball team. She also plays on a competition volleyball team. In fact, softball isn't the only game Widdison has played using both hands. Widdison is also learning how to spike with both hands when she plays volleyball, which happens to be her favorite sport.

Working with her aunt, Widdison feels that by being able to hit with power using either hand will force teams to adjust their defense to her versatility. She also thinks it will allow her to get power on off-target sets.

While Widdison's game made huge strides last year, an early ankle injury has slowed her progress this season. Despite the injury, Widdison is anxious to get out and help her team win, whichever hand it takes.

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