Sarasota Athlete of the Week: 04.06.17

Josie McCrea is a sophomore at Booker High. She came to Booker after a year at Bradenton Christian. She has pitched every game for the Tornadoes this season, including four shutouts. In her 13-0 shutout of Gibbs on March 30, she added three RBI to her own cause. 

How long have you played softball?

Since I was ... young. 5? I think I was 5. Somewhere around there. I always wanted to play. I played T-ball when I was little, and I just kept going with it. 

What is the appeal of softball to you?

I'm just really competitive. I like the drive. It pushes you past mental and physical limits. It's addicting, it really is. You just want to keep winning and keep getting better. It's my life now. I'm here (at Booker's softball field) almost every day. I would be bored without it, really. 

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Nope, just softball (laughs).

What is your biggest skill on the field?

Pitching. My fast-pitch, especially. I can go in and out really well. 

Why do you wear No. 11?

It's my lucky number since I was little. I always got stuck with 11, so it stuck with me.

What is your favorite food?

Pepperoni pizza and fries.  

What is your favorite subject in school?

I like engineering. It's really fun building stuff and being hands-on and learning about how things are made. It's just interesting. It's my first year taking it, and I'm in love with it. 

What is your favorite movie?

"The Lion King" (laughs). I love "The Lion King."

What is your dream vacation spot?

Scotland. My father's (Charles McCrea, Jr.) side of the family is from Scotland, and I always wanted to see where we come from. We have a castle up there. Well, it's not like "ours," but it's named after us. 

What is your favorite softball memory?

Last season, I was running home and I tripped and face-planted into the plate. The ump was laughing, so he didn't call me safe or out. I laid there for a couple minutes. It was funny. (Ultimately, she was called safe). 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Stick with what you do. It's going to get rough at times, but in the end, if you love it, it's going to get better. My mom (Tina McCrea) tells me that. 

Finish this sentence: "Josie McCrea is ... "

... A person? (Laughs). I don't know, really. I don't. Baller. There we go. We'll go with that.