Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

There was a meeting, a sit-down of sorts, which took place last year between Rutgers-Newark head softball coach Patty Clarke and her catcher Gabby Spinella.

“I’ve always known that she had the talent, that she could become our first All-Region player,” Clarke said. “She was such a strong player in high school (one of the New Jersey’s top softball programs in Cedar Grove) and I think she thought she would just have the same success in college. That wasn’t the case. So we had to talk.”

“I sat down and talked to Coach for a long time one day,” Spinella said. “She basically told me that she knew I could do it, but I needed to have my head in it.”

Clarke said that Spinella needed to learn about one word – commitment.

“She needed to work hard in the offseason to get ready,” Clarke said. “She needed to get stronger, faster and bigger. She needed to become a better defensive catcher.”

That message hit home.

“I became really focused to do my best,” Spinella said. “It was time to put mind over matter. I ate healthier. I tried hard to work out daily. I was focused on my cardio and getting in shape. I fed off that and used that as inspiration.”

A lighter, fitter Spinella came back for this season, primed for having a great year.

“What I was most impressed with is her dedication to her craft,” Clarke said. “She worked tremendously hard in the offseason to get ready. She really came a long way and realized what she was capable of.”

So far in the young season, no one could argue with the results.

Spinella is the Scarlet Raiders’ leading hitter. After 12 games, Spinella owns a .467 batting average with two homers and 11 RBI. She hit a grand slam last week – the first of her collegiate career – and she has collected three doubles.

“It’s not by luck,” Clarke said. “She’s really disciplined at the plate. She’s hitting good pitches and is hitting the ball real well. I can’t ask for anything more.”

Clarke said that maybe she expected too much from Spinella early on.

“We did thrust her into a tough position right away,” Clarke said. “But she’s been our four (cleanup) hitter ever since. I always knew what she was capable of. She’s now reaching those expectations. The sky’s the limit for her now. I think she realizes the same thing now.”

Spinella does realize that she’s a better player.

“From the first day of practice, I knew I felt a lot better,” Spinella said. “I remember two years ago, I went through the first practice and I was then in the bathroom, throwing up, because it was so intense and I was so out of shape. But now, it’s easier for me to do things.”

Spinella was asked about her fine start.

“It does surprise me a little, but I feel good,” Spinella said. “I think I’m pretty confident right now, confident in myself and confident in the team behind my back. We have a lot of good players around me, so that makes it easier for me.”

And as for her new physique?

“It is a lot easier for me to move around now,” Spinella said. “I did a lot of leg work in the offseason, so I could concentrate on blocking balls and keeping the play in front of me.”

So the meeting of the minds played a big part in Spinella’s improvement.

“Definitely,” Spinella said. “We’ve all come together and started off the season the right way. The team is very focused. We had to get off to a good start this time.”

“Gabby has been a great leader for us,” Clarke said. “She knows what her role is and what it will be for this year and next year. I think she gave us so much last year, leading us in three categories, but I knew she could do more. With her growth and her contribution, she’s at the point where I always knew she’d be. I’m excited for her, because it’s going to be an amazing season for her.”

Spinella is a psychology major and hopes to eventually get into school counseling. She has applied for an internship in Florida for the summer. She’s also already doing work at a research center as a research assistant. Needless to say, she’s well on her way – both on and off the field.

“I think I’m going in the right direction,” Spinella said.