Central first baseman Liz Wallace impresses the junior college.
By JOHN SCHWARB
Published May 20, 2004
BROOKSVILLE - One of the thrills for Angie Svagerko in taking over Central this year was being able to coach Liz Wallace on a full-time basis.
"She really got my attention," the coach said. "I couldn't wait to get started. Truthfully, I wish she had one more year at Central."
Alas, that won't happen for the outgoing senior. But Wallace will try to continue drawing attention next year at Pasco-Hernando Community College, where she has received a softball scholarship.
The first baseman was a reliable fielder and one of the county's most effective hitters this year, batting .494 with seven doubles, seven triples and 15 runs batted in.
"We just thought it was a perfect fit. She's impressive all the way around," PHCC coach Tom Ryan said. "She'll add a little offense to our lineup."
Wallace participated in a camp last summer, first catching Ryan's eye. During that summer she also played on the under-18 Suncoast Outlaws club team, which Svagerko helped coach.
"From the first day I met her, she's worked so hard. She's a "whatever you say, Coach' type of kid," Svagerko said. "She earned her spot every single day."
Central rebounded to an 11-14 mark this season after finishing 4-19 in 2003. On that squad Wallace still shined, batting .413 and leading the county with 21 RBIs while earning Times all-Citrus/Hernando first-team honors.
Wallace is softspoken, offering little more than "it's exciting" as a reason why she's stayed with softball since the sixth grade.
But at the next level, Svagerko said she wouldn't be surprised to see the quiet leader become more.
"Her leadership by example set the tone, but after she goes to college I bet she becomes real vocal," Svagerko said.
