Zapped!

Emily Zaplatosch’s quiet thunder could be the slap of the
ball against leather as she effortlessly snags grounders at first
base during infield practice.

Or it might be best described during batting practice when an
easy swing strikes line drives all over Easton Stadium.

“She has a quiet thunder about her,” UCLA softball
head coach Sue Enquist said. “She will be very good very
fast.”

But most of all, the best description of Zaplatosch’s
quiet thunder would be her confidence and intensity.

She speaks quietly, too.

“I’ll contribute any way I can,” Zaplatosch
said about her role for the new season.

According to Enquist, the freshman will get her chances.

“You’ll see her behind the plate, at first base, I
would even stick her in right field if necessary. She has a great
stick and I will try to get her in the lineup as much as possible.
She might be starting every game even if they are at different
positions,” Enquist said.

Considering Zaplatosch’s versatility and .392 batting
average at Horizon High, it is a wonder that the Scottsdale, Ariz.
native is not an Arizona Wildcat, the chief rival for UCLA in terms
of Pac-10 softball supremacy.

Despite being close to home, the Wildcats were not of interest
to Zaplatosch.

The lure of the bright lights of Los Angeles combined with
UCLA’s softball track record were the deciding factors
convincing the four-time All State selection to call UCLA home.

“Obviously the program is untouchable compared to others,
and also the location played a part considering I don’t like
Tucson. In Los Angeles, well I can’t really ask for anything
better,” Zaplatosch said.

Top programs such as UCLA’s softball program do not
usually depend on freshmen as integral players.

UCLA expects to compete for a national championship every year
and freshmen either have to be ready to play right away and handle
the high expectations, or they can be ready to take a seat next to
Enquist.

Zaplatosch clearly falls in the former category.

“I don’t really feel any pressure. Being here for a
few months now and getting to know the program, getting to know
what everyone is trying to do, I feel I fit in well and that
I’m prepared to start the season any day,” Zaplatosch
said.

Enquist feels the player she affectionately calls
“Zap” is ready to contribute right away.

“She came into a program with high expectations, and with
(All-American catcher) Stacey Nuveman leaving, a lot of players
would feel the pressure to try to replace her. But she
doesn’t feel the pressure to succeed,” Enquist
said.

Zaplatosch’s teammates feel that she is contributing
already. Freshman infielder/outfielder Caitlin Benyi, a teammate of
Zaplatosch’s at Horizon High, believes that Zaplatosch is a
leader of the team right now.

“She is a leader and you can even see it out here,”
Benyi said. “She is only a freshman but she is leading the
team. She’s been a leader for as long as I have known
her.”

All of the qualities that Zaplatosch possesses have given the
Bruins hope for winning their tenth national championship this
year.

The fact that she is only a freshman means the Bruin faithful
just might be hearing a quiet thunder at Easton Stadium for a long
time to come.