A dream became reality for Sara Fitzgerald three years ago when she donned the purple and gold for the first time as an LSU softball player.
Fitzgerald spent much of her life in Texas, but the Baton Rouge native always held LSU close to her heart. She said when LSU established its softball program in 1996, she knew she wanted to be a Tiger.
“It’s been a dream come true — something I’ve wanted for my whole life,” Fitzgerald said. “There’s nothing like Tiger Park and nothing like Tiger fans.”
Fitzgerald grew up playing baseball in the streets with her stepbrother and other neighborhood children. She said the pickup games made her a more intense competitor, and her stepbrother played a major role in her development as an athlete.
“My brother Cecil has a lot to do with where I am today,” Fitzgerald said. “I was one of the biggest tomboys growing up. I was always with him in the street every single day, and he pushed me. He’ll even call now and make little comments to me.”
Fitzgerald started playing softball when her friend invited her to try out for a 12-and-under team. She became more interested in the game during her high school years and realized she wanted to play collegiate softball.
Fitzgerald played in a minimal role for the Tigers in her first two seasons coming off the bench as a pinch runner and in defensive situations. This season Fitzgerald worked hard and earned a starting position at second base.
“I worked so hard every year just to be a starting player,” Fitzgerald said. “This year I was fortunate enough my name was called, and I was picked to be part of the starting nine.”
LSU head coach Yvette Girouard said Fitzgerald did everything she asks a player to do but had more talented players than positions. She admires Fitzgerald’s persistence that yielded her a starting position.
“I have a ton of respect for her,” Girouard said. “She took the bull by the horns and made sure she wasn’t going to be left out of this lineup. She’s made an impact since day one, and she’s having a great year.”
Girouard also likes Fitzgerald’s ability to get the “clutch” hit. She said Fitzgerald’s ninth inning, two-run homer against No. 4 Oklahoma earlier this year in a 7-4 victory over the Sooners was a perfect example of her success in pressure situations.
“When we need a spark she’s usually there to provide it,” Girouard said. “She’s dynamite in a little body, and she’s very effective in crucial situations.”
The junior will get another chance to push the Tigers toward victory when No. 8 LSU (23-9, 4-4 Southeasern Conference) faces Mississippi State (23-12, 3-6) in a three-game SEC series beginning today at 5 p.m. in Starkville, Miss.
When it comes to batting, Fitzgerald has a one-hit per game philosophy. She leads the team this season with 32 hits, 20 RBIs and 10 doubles and is third on the team with a .296 batting in 32 games.
Most importantly she wants to do what it takes for the team to win, and for her that’s giving her all at the plate and in the field.
“I love being out here. I’m here early every single day just trying to get better,” Fitzgerald said. “I just want to see us win. Whatever it takes for me to do, whether it’s to get a hit or steal a base, that’s what I want to do.”