By Owen Gotimer
LoCoSports Editor-in-Chief
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Ashburn (September 22, 2015) — Briar Woods High School junior Amanda Nee has made an early verbal commitment to continue her softball career at the University of Maine beginning in the 2017-2018 academic year.
“Committing to UMaine so early has given me the opportunity to focus on my academics and training to be a Division I athlete,” the 5-foot-7 Nee said. “I am very thankful that the coaches believed in me and my dedication to the sport so early. I feel very fortunate to have found a school that offers everything I am looking for and will give me an opportunity to play the sport I love.”
Nee – who originally verballed in January – chose UMaine because of the campus’ appeal and overall feeling of comfort when she first visited the school.
“The University of Maine was exactly what I was looking for when I was deciding where I wanted to spend the next chapter of my life, from an athletic and academic stand point,” Nee said. “The size of the university, the campus and the majors that are offered are exactly what I am looking for. The softball program not only has a great atmosphere and coaching staff but their dedication to giving back to the community makes it an excellent fit for me.”
While at Maine, Nee hopes to help the Division I Black Bears improve on a 22-22 season in 2015 in which they finished 10-7 in the America East Conference.
The 2016 season will mark the first for head coach Mike Coutts who took over the program this summer after his wife and former UMaine head coach Lynn Coutts was promoted to become the Black Bears’ senior associate director of athletics.
“I am looking forward to being part of the UMaine softball program because I will bring my leadership skills, positive attitude and desire to add to the strong team spirit that is the pride of Black Bears softball,” said Nee who will be rostered as a catcher and utility player for Maine. “I am very excited to play there! Most of all I want to be the player that does whatever it takes to win.”
And the Pittsburgh-native is used to winning after helping Briar Woods to a 16-8 mark in 2015 including an 8-2 record in Conference 14 and a trip back to the VHSL 5A state playoffs after the Falcons came up just short of the state title in 2014.
Nee added she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play in high school or in college if it hadn’t been for her start in the sport about ten years ago.
“In the years I have played, I have met many great friends and had amazing coaches that have a true passion for the game. I have had so many great experiences and memories that I will never forget. These experiences have given me a love for the game and the drive to work hard,” said Nee who plays travel softball for Virginia Glory Premier 16U. “My motivation is to be the best teammate and athlete I can be. I have been fortunate to play for great programs that have given me a passion to want to play at the college level. I am so excited that all my hard work has paid off! I hope someday I get to coach softball and help girls fulfill their dreams.”
