Hudson catcher follows ambitions to Colorado

Danielle Fennimore hopes to impress scouts at an all-star game in the Rockies.

By IZZY GOULD
Published June 26, 2007

HUDSON - Danielle Fennimore spent more time this spring teaching at Hudson practices than practicing.

High school softball has always been a significant step down from her spot on the Clearwater Lady Bombers, a highly competitive travel team that plays at a high level.

At Hudson, Fennimore doesn't just teach catching and throwing.

"Half the girls never picked up a glove, " said Fennimore, a catcher. "They don't know which hand to put it on. ... It's kind of frustrating when it comes to girls that haven't played before."

That's what makes tonight so important for Fennimore.

This is her moment to shine on a beautiful softball diamond nestled in the Rocky Mountains. The Lady Bombers are in Bolder, Colo., for the annual Independence Day Tournament, which draws more than 300 college scouts to study the country's top players.

Fennimore was selected to play in an all-star game tonight, which precedes the weeklong tournament. She isn't quite sure how she was selected, though she believes it was based on her performance in the tournament last year. She got a call last week about the game and has been fired up ever since.

This is probably her best chance to woo the college scouts, and she knows it.

"This tournament has the top teams, " Fennimore said. "Everybody goes."

A good chunk of Fennimore's teammates play for Palm Harbor University High School, which won back-to-back Class 5A state titles in 2004 and 2005.

"They go to state every year, " Fennimore said. "They get a lot of conditioning, and they're always busy. We set goals for ourselves, but not that we're going to win or go to districts."

Fennimore plays at Hudson, where the Cobras lose a lot more than they win.

Transferring to a high school with a better program was a thought during her freshman year. But the family ruled out a move, concerned a violation of the Florida High School Athletic Association's handbook might result in a suspension.

For better or worse, Fennimore has stayed at Hudson where coach Crissy Cooper has done her best to help Fennimore get noticed. Fennimore's mother, Marie Mancuso, has.

Cooper nominated Fennimore several times for Times' Player of the Week honors and all-state consideration.

And despite Hudson's struggles, Fennimore hit .508 with two home runs, 15 RBIs and 12 doubles in the 2007 season.

"Most of her experience and exposure comes through travel ball, " Mancuso said. "Coach Cooper helps her writing letters and speaking with coaches to help her get signed."

Being selected for the game gives Fennimore confidence that someone believes she can play at a high level. Now she hopes to take advantage of the opportunity before she starts her senior year.

Getting signed to a scholarship is Fennimore's ultimate goal.

"Travel ball's a step up from high school, " Fennimore said. "And playing on this all-star team makes me feel like I'm good enough to play at a high level."

Izzy Gould can be reached at igould@tampabay.com or 727 580-5315.

[Last modified June 25, 2007, 21:20:40]