Seconds With the Scots - Spotlight on Melissa Tavidian
By Caitie BorchardSports Information Student Assistant
Melissa Tavidian has been playing softball since she was a little girl, but this season will mark her eighth competitive year. Softball is a large part of who she is and she is very sad to see it come to an end. She finds it unfortunate that women athletes, especially softball players, have such limited opportunities to further their careers after college ball. In order to continue this part of her life she plans on becoming a softball coach. She is an English major with a Psychology minor and is in the process of getting her teaching certificate for secondary education.
Favorite Food: Seafood or a nice big steak
Favorite Drink: Apple Juice
Favorite Movie: I have so many, but I’d have to say The Notebook and Gladiator
Favorite Book: Again, I have so many, but it would probably be “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” by Mitch Albom
Favorite Class: My favorite class at Alma College would have to be Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Batchelder
Favorite Teacher: 10th grade English teacher Mrs. Cawetzka, I still keep in touch with her to this day.
Favorite TV Show: CSI
Favorite Band: I am addicted to music, I can't pick just one band.
Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry cheesecake
What is your best sports memory?
"After eight-plus years of playing, there seems to be too many to just pick one. Some of the best were the moments where I knew I couldn't dig any deeper and I was giving it all I had to do my best and making it to nationals in 2004."
What are your thoughts on the 2004 season?
"Due to the fact that our 2004 team made it to nationals, it was a season full of pay-off for all our hard work over the years. It was also a very emotional season; we had eight seniors graduate, and these eight girls had been a very predominant force on our team since I’ve been here. That season increased my anticipation for the 2005 season.
What are your thoughts on the 2005 season?
"This season will be about coming together as a team. We are already very close as friends, but I would even consider these girls as family. As teammates we share more than 'normal' friends do, we work hard for each other everyday. We sweat and bleed for each other; we look out for each other and like a family, everything we do outside of softball not only reflects on ourselves, but on our team. When I say this is a time to come together, I mean on the field. Like I said before we had eight seniors graduate and even though we do not lack an ounce of talent, the true test will come when we are on the field together. Our motto for the season is 'Tradition Never Graduates'.”
Do you have any goals for the 2005 season?
"As a team I would love to see us at nationals again, and I think we have the potential to do so. I just want our team to keep working hard and to do their best always."
What is the best thing about playing for the Scots?
"The best part about playing for the Scots is being able to walk out on the field and know that you are the best. We work so hard as a team and it shows when we are out there…you just have to remember that being your best doesn't mean winning all the time."
Who is the best person you've ever played with and why?
"This is a great question and I wish I had a great answer to go with it. Every teammate that I have been privileged to play with has changed me one way or another and has helped me grow. I wouldn’t just limit this to teammates; I would extend this to coaches as well. I have had so many people touch my life over the years through softball; some of my closest friends were once teammates and some still are. To name a few, people like Coach B (who we lost six years ago), Mr. Mayernik, Mr. Hobart, and Erica B. have influenced me to be the player and person I am today. "
What are three words that you would use to describe Alma softball?
"Determined, Camaraderie, and Hard-working."
What are your plans after graduation?
"I am not certain what I will be doing, but I hope to be teaching somewhere, anywhere, and coaching. I have even considered going overseas to teach for a few years. We’ll see how student-teaching goes first, though."
Posted: Mon, February 21st, 2005 at 12:36PM
