FREEPORT - Juda alumna Amber Ramos led the Highland Community College softball team from worst to first, helping capture an Arrowhead Conference championship, and she recently became the first NJCAA All-American in the softball program's 28-year history.
"I was surprised when I got that award," Ramos said. "I never thought that would happen."
Highland went from zero conference wins in 2012 to 15 this season, led in large part by freshman Ramos, who was named a second-team All-American. The Cougars won their first conference title at 15-5. Overall, they improved from 4-34 to 28-14, breaking the school record for wins by two.
Ramos finished the season with a record of 19-7, with a 1.14 ERA and 246 strikeouts against 48 walks in 178 1/3 innings.
Highland opened the season 0-3 in Florida tournament play with Ramos so ill with the flu she was wheeled around in a wheelchair at the airport. When she talked her way back into the lineup, Highland went 6-1. Ramos was then nailed in the face by a line drive and taken to the hospital for stitches early in the season, but she returned to practice the next day wearing a mask.
"That was scary," Ramos said of being hit by the line drive.
Staying healthy wasn't the only obstacle Ramos faced.
She made the jump from playing in the Six Rivers East Conference to playing college softball where the talent of the hitters is more advanced.
"You have to be more careful with what you pitch to batters," Ramos said. "In college, you don't have any room for error. In high school, you had more wiggle room. In college, you can't let one slip."
Ramos is playing AAU softball this summer with Toxic Fastpitch of Beloit. She said she is bolstering her arsenal, perfecting a screwball and change-up.
"I'm hoping to be a stronger pitcher," she said.
After one more season for Highland, a two-year school, she understands her softball career may be done. However, Ramos could get a chance to continue pitching at another school, as she pursues higher education.
"I might be done after Highland," Ramos said. "If there is an offer, I may keep pitching."
With about five sophomores returning, Highland could be a force again next season.
"We are all close," Ramos said of her relationship with her teammates. "I think if we are close we are capable of anything."
"I was surprised when I got that award," Ramos said. "I never thought that would happen."
Highland went from zero conference wins in 2012 to 15 this season, led in large part by freshman Ramos, who was named a second-team All-American. The Cougars won their first conference title at 15-5. Overall, they improved from 4-34 to 28-14, breaking the school record for wins by two.
Ramos finished the season with a record of 19-7, with a 1.14 ERA and 246 strikeouts against 48 walks in 178 1/3 innings.
Highland opened the season 0-3 in Florida tournament play with Ramos so ill with the flu she was wheeled around in a wheelchair at the airport. When she talked her way back into the lineup, Highland went 6-1. Ramos was then nailed in the face by a line drive and taken to the hospital for stitches early in the season, but she returned to practice the next day wearing a mask.
"That was scary," Ramos said of being hit by the line drive.
Staying healthy wasn't the only obstacle Ramos faced.
She made the jump from playing in the Six Rivers East Conference to playing college softball where the talent of the hitters is more advanced.
"You have to be more careful with what you pitch to batters," Ramos said. "In college, you don't have any room for error. In high school, you had more wiggle room. In college, you can't let one slip."
Ramos is playing AAU softball this summer with Toxic Fastpitch of Beloit. She said she is bolstering her arsenal, perfecting a screwball and change-up.
"I'm hoping to be a stronger pitcher," she said.
After one more season for Highland, a two-year school, she understands her softball career may be done. However, Ramos could get a chance to continue pitching at another school, as she pursues higher education.
"I might be done after Highland," Ramos said. "If there is an offer, I may keep pitching."
With about five sophomores returning, Highland could be a force again next season.
"We are all close," Ramos said of her relationship with her teammates. "I think if we are close we are capable of anything."
