By Jim Hague
Charlotte Labate didn’t know how to handle yet another coaching change, the third in her four-year softball career at Rutgers-Newark. Labate didn’t know what to expect from Patty Clarke, who was hired in January to take over the Scarlet Raiders’ softball program.
“It’s been pretty difficult, going through so many different philosophies and changes,” Labate said. “Definitely, when you have to go through so many changes, it’s hard. You don’t even get a chance to try to know someone.”
However, Labate felt a certain closeness and camaraderie with Clarke.
“I really felt like she and I have the same ideas,” Labate said. “I respect her and respect her philosophy.”
The relationship between new coach and shortstop developed right away. Clarke, who was an assistant coach at the University of Pennsylvania and Kean University before arriving at R-N, knew that she needed a conduit to bridge the gap from the newcomer coach and the rest of the team.
“Charlotte has definitely helped me familiarize myself with the program,” Clarke said. “She helped tell me where they’ve been and what the team needs to do in order to improve. She’s probably been the most helpful among the seniors. I could also tell how dedicated Charlotte was to the sport. I’ve really relied upon her.”
When Clarke mentions Labate’s dedication to softball, she’s not kidding. Labate has been deeply involved in the sport since she was a little girl growing up in her native North Plainfield, N.J.
“Ever since I was 12 years old, I would do anything to play softball,” Labate said. “I had to be on every single team imaginable, every travel team. I didn’t do anything else. I just loved playing softball. It’s been my whole life.”
Labate thought her softball life had come to an end two years ago, when she had to undergo shoulder surgery.
“I really faced a tough decision as to whether I wanted to keep playing when I hurt my shoulder,” Labate said. “But I had the surgery because I wanted to keep playing and here I am, still playing.”
Although Clarke has seen Labate play for only 18 games this season, the coach definitely likes what she sees.
“Charlotte has untapped potential,” Clarke said. “She’s constantly putting forth her best effort for me. She’s intense and very passionate about the game. I think she’s worked hard to take in all the changes we’ve had this year and she’s putting forth a great effort.”
Although the Scarlet Raiders have struggled somewhat in the early portion of the season, Labate has been a steady influence, batting .386 with 10 RBI and leading the team with 22 hits. She had five hits in seven at-bats last Saturday against William Paterson.
“I think Charlotte would do anything she could to get the job done and help us win,” Clarke said. “She has a great arm at short and has good range. She really has a lot of responsibility with this team, but she’s handling them all.”
Labate said that she wanted to make this season special because it’s her last one. She’s been a starter since she arrived in the 2005 season and has been a major contributor every year.
“I put everything into this season because it may be my last,” Labate said. “I really thought about that a lot. I’ve been playing softball since I was a kid and I don’t know what I’m going to do when I’m not playing. It’s the reason why I put so much into this season.”
Labate said that she had a tough time last month during the Scarlet Raiders’ trip to Florida.
“It was terrible,” Labate said. “I put my head down and was really down on myself. But Coach reminded me that it’s my last season and I have to keep my head up. I’m better now.”
Clarke said that she has tried to make Labate become more of a leader with the Scarlet Raiders.
“One of the changes we’re tried to make is to get Charlotte to be more vocal,” Clarke said. “She isn’t vocal. She’s been one who tries to lead by example. This year, we’re asking her to be more of a leader. We’re asking a lot of her to be all things for this team during the course of the season. She’s really making the effort, even though it’s a little out of her comfort zone.”
Clarke has been impressed with the way Labate has handled everything this season.
“I think this is only the beginning,” Clarke said. “She’s going to take it to another level. It’s a shame that I don’t have more time with her. I came here two years too late. If she was a sophomore, I can’t begin to tell you how great she’d be as a senior.”
Labate will continue her softball career after the season ends. In June, she will head to Prague to participate in an international softball tryout and the hope of playing in Europe for an extended period.
“I’m pretty excited about it,” Labate said. “I’ve never been to Europe before. They actually contacted me after finding my stats on the Internet. They said that girls from all over the country are going to be playing. It’s a big challenge. It’s another reason why I had to get my season going right. Coach has really helped me keep my head up and get ready for Prague.”
Labate is a sociology major who will graduate sometime next year. She hopes to get her teaching certificate and eventually become a teacher and perhaps a softball coach, so she can keep the game she loves as a major part of her life.
“That’s what I’m hoping for,” Labate said. “I never want to lose softball.”
