By Garland Cooper

Sara Acosta is a star athlete out of Southern Calif. She is a 2009 graduate who attends Loara High School and plays for Tony Rico on the Worth Firecrackers 18U Gold.  The centerfielder and second baseman has been playing softball for fourteen years and has recently acheived her ultimate goal; to play softball at the next level. She has committed to play for the Univ. of Maryland.

Acosta, a multi-sport athlete, also playing volleyball and golf, had much to say about her recent commitment.  When asked about attending the Univ. of Maryland Acosta stated, "I am looking to major in Criminology where I can go on and pursue my career in becoming part of a law enforcement agency. I have always wanted my job to be active and in some type of way be able to help people; being a police officer allows me to do both." She continues, "Playing softball in college is going to enable me to play ball and get an education that will help my future."

We were fortunate enough to talk to Acosta about the Univ. of Maryland and her softball career thus far. Below are the details!

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	COURTESY OF SARA ACOSTA
	Sara Acosta

Q: Congratulations on committing to the Univ. of Maryland! What was it about the school that made you want to be a Terp?
A: The campus was beautiful, the atmosphere while I was there, and the athletic department was amazing.

Q: Did you do anything special after you committed?
A: Yes, I went to Outback Steakhouse with the team, had dinner, and went to a concert afterwards; it was a lot of fun.

Q: When and where did you commit?
A: I committed in Coach Watten's office while we were meeting with her, Coach Smith, and my dad.

Q: How does it feel to be committed?
A: It feels amazing. It's everything I have been working for. It's like there is so much weight lifted off my shoulders, and all the worrying and stressing is gone. It's a great feeling not only for me, but for my parents.

Q: Who else were you being recruited by?
A: The University of Wisconsin, Michigan State University, San Jose State University, Fordham University, The University of New Mexico, University California Riverside, Cal State Bakersfield, and Cal State Northridge.

Q: Where else did you take your trips?
A: University California Riverside, Cal State Bakersfield, and The University of New Mexico.

Q: On the trips, what made Maryland stand out?
A: The campus was nothing like I have ever seen, it was so big and green and the buildings were all beautiful and it just felt like how college was suppose to be.

Q: What factors did you consider when looking at a college?
A: Academics, facilities, campus, environment, my major, and the amount of scholarship.

Q: How has the recruiting process been for you?
A: Honestly, stressful; but also a wonderful experience.

Q: Was there any moment in the recruiting process that especially impressed you?
A: Just knowing that people are actually interested in what I have to offer as an athlete and a student.

Q: What was most important in your decision making process?
A: My biggest thing was being able to go away for college and getting the experience of living on my own in a college atmosphere and getting that whole college experience.

Q: What are you most looking forward to, moving forward in your career?
A: Being able to major in Criminology at Maryland, who has the number two program in the nation, and going on to excel with that degree.

Q: How old were you when you started playing softball and how did you get started?
A: I started t-ball when I was four years old and have been playing ever since. I started playing because my entire family was involved with sports and my parents wanted to get me started too.

Q: What did you have to do and how did you train to stay in shape when you were younger? What do you do now? 
A: When I was younger I went to batting lessons with different coaches, then was introduced to Tony Rico; where I started lessons with him. As I got older, now my senior year, I work out at 5:30 in the morning before school with a friend, run and do sprints and core, then go to the gym at least three times a week.

Q: What are some accomplishments you have had on the field so far?
The accomplishments I have had on the field have been: excelling as an athlete, learning more and more about the game each year, my ability to make decisions on my own, and the lessons I have learned not only about softball, but about life.

Q: What are your goals for the future?
I have always had the goal to get a full scholarship to a school, major in criminal law and go on to be a police officer then detective. In doing this I hope to make society a better place for all.

Q: What is your favorite accomplishment or accomplishment you are most proud of? 
A: The accomplishment I am most proud of is getting a scholarship to a University and making my parents proud that I could do it.

Q: What is your favorite softball moment?
A: I have a few, but my most recent of the favorite would have to be last year at the Colorado Fireworks Showcase, when we came back from the losers bracket, won the tournament, and gave our trophy to the war veteran Harry who had been following us around and watching our games for the past couple of years. Seeing the look on his face and what we had given him was an experience I will never forget.

Q: What is your most embarrassing softball moment?
A: My most embarrassing softball moment would have to be last year at Nationals when Maryland was at one of my games and I slapped the ball and ran to first base and tripped on the bag and fell flat on my face.

Q: Do you play any other sports? What sports?
A: I play golf and soccer.

Q: What are some other extracurricular activities that keep you busy off the field?
A: I am apart of a mentor program at school called Best Buddies that helps under privileged kids.

Q: Are there any academic accomplishments that you are especially proud of?
A: I have been recognized for Honor Roll each year.

Q: What has been the biggest obstacle you have overcome? 
A: The loss of my oldest brother, someone I looked up to everyday.

Q: What do you like to do when not playing?
A: When not playing softball I like to hangout with my friends and family.
 

Now I will start the sentence and you fill in the blank:

If I could have only one material possession on a deserted island it would be& My cell phone to stay in touch with my friends and family.

Something most people don't know about me is... That I play golf competitively. 

Something unusual about myself is... That I like to color.

A food you couldn't pay me to eat is... Mayonnaise.

The best and worst movies ever are...Best: Remember the Titans. Worst: The Grudge.

The hardest I ever laughed was when... I don't know I laugh constantly.

The topical issue that most interests me in the world is... Peace.

The best thing about softball is... Competition.

If I could have one superhuman power it would be... To fly.