PHILADELPHIA – When selecting a college, many high school students choose to stay close to home because of area familiarity with the area and the fear of the unknown in going elsewhere. A new environment and a new community can intimidate young people, who find it difficult to step out of their comfort zone.

This outlook never crossed the mind of La Salle softball player Liz Reed, a native of Washington – the state of Washington. Reed hails from the city of Marysville, nestled in the Cascade Mountains in the northwest part of the state. Known as the “strawberry city” for its plentiful strawberry farms, Marysville is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of North Philadelphia, where Reed has spent the last three years of her life.

Despite the unfamiliar territory, Reed has learned to thrive at 20^th and Olney, excelling in the classroom, in the community, and on the field.

Reed could be considered the La Salle softball version of the “iron man,” starting in every game the Explorers have played the past three years, 135 in all. She finished second on the team in hitting the last two seasons and led the squad in doubles and triples a year ago.

While the softball program has enjoyed less success recently than it has in the past, Reed sees the program headed in a positive direction under new head coach Ron Shoemaker.

“The knowledge and love of the game he brings every day is incredible,” Reed said. “We keep making bigger and bigger strides each day which is our goal.

“His coaching style is different for us but extremely effective,” she added. “He's constantly throwing us into chaotic situations to work on our mental game, bringing the best out in us.”

Shoemaker cited Reed as being an instrumental piece in the team's gelling under his watch this fall.

“Liz has shown a great deal of leadership to her teammates and has made my transition here at La Salle much smoother,” Shoemaker said.

Despite having only one year remaining in her career, Reed has a strong desire to leave her footprint for future players that don the blue and gold.

“I think we're going to have a good season,” Reed said. “We are not going to be undefeated but we have a lot to turn around in this program and I think that's going to start this year.

“This program has an incredibly bright future and I want to leave knowing I was a part of that transition.”

Given her academic prowess and lofty career ambitions, Reed is headed towards an incredibly bright future as well.

Reed has maintained a 3.85 GPA, double-majoring in Biology and Spanish while juggling a varsity sport and a bevy of extracurricular activities. That list includes tutoring, peer ministering, chapel choir, Signum Fidei (volunteer charity), and both Pre-health and Spanish honor societies.

Reed embraces her constant flurry of activities, but humorously acknowledged that her sleep is usually the negative recipient of her time crunch.

“I have been able to balance it (all of her activities). It is extremely hard but doable. I'm always on the go.
“I don't sleep that much,” she said with a smile.

Shoemaker recognizes Reed's drive and delightfully speaks of her well-balanced approach.

“Playing softball, being involved in community service and graduating from a tough academic institution speaks volumes about Liz,” Shoemaker said.

While her playing days will soon be over, Reed is prepared to pursue a career and continue to serve.

“I want to be a Pediatrician and eventually part of Doctors without Borders, traveling the world helping with medicine,” Reed said.

It takes a certain type of person to have such aspirations, one who is not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and succeed in whatever environment they are put into.

The Marysville, Washington native turned Philadelphian just may be the perfect fit.