Name: Hannah Cozzi

School: St. Charles East, senior

Sport: Softball

Whe she was selected: Cozzi, a senior right fielder, had a monster day at the plate during a doubleheader on March 27 vs. Wheaton North. Cozzi went a combined 6-for-9 with seven RBI and one walk, which included two home runs in game two. Cozzi is a two-year varsity player.

Cozzi, who is still deciding on her college destination, caught up with Chronicle sports reporter Jacob Bartelson about the successful day at the plate, early season goals and next steps for college softball. Below is an edited transcript.

Bartelson: You're seeing some pretty good success at the plate. Is that something that you're accustomed to early on?

Cozzi: I just try to be patient as much as possible in the box because that's what hitting is all about. I'm really picky at the plate, so I only look for my pitch – Unless I have two strikes, of course.

Bartelson: Do you see yourself as a leader on the team? What do you like to do to bring along the newcomers?

Cozzi: We all get along. There's not one person that I can say that I don't like on the team. It's an easy-going atmosphere...we're all pretty much leaders for each other. That's probably the best thing we could have for the team.

Bartelson: What were some of your goals heading into this year?

Cozzi: I wanted to start most of the games. Last year, I didn't start a lot of them...Another goal I had [was] I wanted to start in right field, and that's what I did. Those were the main goals I had.

Bartelson: Are you still trying to determine softball opportunities?

Cozzi: I'm going to college to play softball for sure...I've played it for 11 years and I don't want to stop...for softball, I really want a good coach that cares about us...[I have two offers]: Marian University and Lake Land Community College.