A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Freeport’s Abby DeJidas

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, May 27, 2024 | 10:11 AM

Freeport senior shortstop Abby DeJidas was not pleased with her performance in the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.

“I felt I could have had more hits,” DeJidas said. “I had two strikeouts. I was upset about those because it’s rare for me to strike out.”

Perhaps DeJidas is her own worst critic. She was pleased with how the team played all year.

“Even though we didn’t win against Mohawk, we had a lot of fun,” DeJidas said. “We went a lot farther than I was expecting. All the hard work we did in summer, fall, and winter workouts really showed.”

As a No. 12 seed, the Yellowjackets upset No. 5 Southmoreland, 6-3, in the first round. Then, in the quarterfinals, they lost a tight, well-pitched 2-1 contest against No. 4 Mohawk.

The Yellowjackets finished the regular season with a 10-6 overall record, 6-4 in Section 1-3A.

After a first half of the season when they couldn’t string wins together, they won six of their last eight heading into the playoffs.

“We knew if we kept hitting and believing in ourselves, having a two- or three-game winning streak could happen,” DeJidas said.

DeJidas finished the season hitting .583. She collected 36 hits, including four home runs, eight doubles and a pair of triples. She drove in 13 runs, swiped nine bases and scored 23 runs.

Out of all she accomplished this season on the diamond, DeJidas’ favorite highlight was a diving play she made against Burrell in a 5-2 victory April 24.

“It was a tight game at the time,” DeJidas recalled. “I just tried to get rid of the ball as fast as I possibly could. Lauren Clark had a really nice scoop at first, so it was an outstanding play for both of us.”

Added coach Ron DeJidas: “She laid out for that ground ball up the middle, got up to her knees and threw the ball across the diamond. That settled the team in and we went on to win.”

Right after the season came to an end, DeJidas took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

Do you feel any pressure being in the leadoff spot?

I feel a little bit of pressure, but I’ve been hitting out of that spot for a long time, even in for my travel team. After I see the first pitch, I take a deep breath and relax and focus in.

You hit .583 this season. What does it take to have such a high average?

I just go into each at-bat thinking I’ve got to hit the ball hard and get on base. My hard work over these last four years has definitely shown through this season.

What are you going to miss most about high school softball?

I’ll miss the atmosphere and the girls on my team. You get to become very close with your teammates, making memories. There’s nothing like high school softball.

Which travel team do you play for?

The Pittsburgh Passion. It’s so much faster than high school. You travel to a lot of different places and create so many friendships and get a lot of good experiences.

Your dad is both your high school and travel team coach. What is the dynamic like between you two?

My dad and I have a very strong bond. He’s always willing to do anything to help me improve. Not many people can say they have a dad who is also their coach, so I’m very grateful to be able to have someone like him.

Is there a current college softball player you enjoy watching?

I love watching all of the girls on Oklahoma.

You’re committed to Seton Hill. What do you plan on studying?

I’m not sure yet. I either want to do something in education or in occupational therapy.

Favorite high school memory?

I went out for cheerleading this year. I did it just for fun. I made the squad and was extremely nervous because I had never lifted anyone in the air before. All the girls were so helpful, and I came away with a new group of friends.

Any hobbies?

Hanging with my friends a lot, going to the mall and other fun activities. Another thing is, a lot of people don’t think I would like this, but I thoroughly enjoy quad riding.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Work as hard as possible, don’t take anything for granted, take advantage of every opportunity you have to better yourself, and have fun.

Tags: Freeport