Source: State Champs Sports Network

Author: Tom Markowski

Farmington Hills – Most often an athlete’s life changes dramatically when they go to college and are introduced not only to a different lifestyle but also an enhanced training schedule.

As committed to softball as Abby Krzywiecki was before she signed with South Alabama, her dedication to the sport has taken a step up since.

After dabbling in sports like golf, soccer, swimming and volleyball in grade school and junior high, Krzywiecki focused on softball when she entered her freshman year at Farmington Hills Mercy.

“I had way more fun with softball,” she said.

Krzywiecki made an immediate impact as a freshman as she hit nine home runs and batted .419. After the season she played travel softball and when she wasn’t playing she was practicing. As the oldest of four children, Krzywiecki embraced the leadership role, so often equated with the oldest. Goal-oriented and highly competitive, Krzywiecki thrives on hard work, on the field and in the classroom.

She sets the example for her teammates as well as for her siblings.

And she’s also set high standards for those throughout the state to match. Krzywiecki has been named State Champs’ No. 1 player in the preseason.

Krzywiecki was also recently named as one of the six finalists for the Detroit Athletic Club female athlete of the year award. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremonies on May 9 at the DAC. State Champs host Lorne Plant will be the master of ceremonies. State Champs will air a half-hour show of the event on FoxSports on May 14 at 12:30 p.m.

Even when Krzywiecki isn’t playing games she’s not getting cheated on her swings.

“I have a batting cage in my basement,” she said. “(I go through) at least a bucket a day. And I work out every day.”

Each season Krzywiecki has steadily improved. He sophomore season she hit .530 with seven home runs. Last season Krzywiecki batted .547 with 12 home runs. Though first base is her normal position, Krzywiecki has also shown to be a reliable pitcher. Entering her senior year she’s 39-4 with a 2.06 ERA.

After signing with South Alabama last fall Krzywiecki received a workout schedule from the school, one that included changing her diet.

“I eat a lot of raw vegetables and no processed foods,” Krzywiecki said. “I’ve taken more short runs and will take longer runs in better weather. And I’m lifting more.”

Within the first six weeks Krzywiecki said she lost 10 pounds.

“I feel quicker,” she said. “I’m faster, too. I feel my body. I feel clean.”

Krzywiecki gives a nod to her sister, Claire, a sophomore at Mercy, with aiding her in her quest to become a stronger and healthier person.

“She’s the cook,” Krzywiecki said. “We’re close. It helps when you have someone with you to eat these meals. She’s more disciplined than I.”

It seems Krzywiecki isn’t the only one in her family with leadership qualities.