Anna Zeznanski is one of the best players from the Orlando, FL area in the Class of 2020.
The 5-foot-3, 145-pound Zeznanski, who attends Liberty High School, is a dynamic player that works as an infielder and outfielder.
{{89501}}
No matter the opponent, on each play Zeznanski is determined to give it her all.
Zeznanski is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Zeznanski steps between the lines.
“My mindset when playing is focused but also to remember to have fun because that's really what I play for,” Zeznanski said. “It is a passion and it will always be a passion but I don't want to take the fun out of the game so I always keep my head up and learn from the mistakes.”
Zeznanski has great passion and energy whenever she’s on the diamond. Zeznanski tells why she enjoys the game of softball so much.
“What I love most about playing is the fact that it takes your mind off the real world for a while,” Zeznanski said. “I enjoy being in the locker room with my teammates after a big win.”
Zeznanski has learned many valuable lessons from playing softball that she applies to her everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Playing has taught me no matter what or who says anything you have to know you have good and bad days and that doesn't tell you who you are,” Zeznanski said. “You have to always believe in yourself no matter what.”
Zeznanski recalls her favorite softball memory.
“My favorite memory would be when I was playing in seventh grade and I went to catch the ball and lost it in the sun and it hit me in the chest but I still caught it,” Zeznanski said. “It is my favorite because while it wasn't too funny then, it is now because while it hurt and I got really winded I didn't drop the ball.”
Kathrin Pennanen has coached Zeznanski for one year at Liberty High School.
Pennanen explains the best parts of Zeznanski’s game.
“This is my first year of coaching Anna at Liberty High School. Anna will be playing an infield position on the softball team. Anna has good instincts and timing on defense Pennanen said. “She is fundamentally sound and has solid technique at the plate.”
Zeznanski takes her role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Zeznanski makes sure she’s a daily positive influence on her peers.
“I support the team no matter what and I am always leading my ear to them if they need it. And spreading positivity is a big one because keeping our head held high and being good sports to take our mistakes and learn from them is huge,” Zeznanski said. “No matter what that score board says it doesn't define us. We are a good team and we will learn from the game.”
Pennanen adds that Zeznanski is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“She always brings a positive attitude to the field and that attitude spreads to her teammates,” Pennanen said. “That attitude has a contagious effect on the team.”
Zeznanski is appreciative of having amazing role models that are supportive.
“I have learned a lot from my coaches on how to be a better player and person,” Zeznanski said. “I learned that no matter what speak positivity. No matter how life gets, come on this field with a purpose and a mission and have the game in your hearts.”
Pennanen is an advocate of Zeznanski’s capabilities.
“She is a smart player that studies the game to find ways to be effective on the field,” Pennanen said. “For her to be able to transition from the outfield to the infield is proof of that for sure.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Zeznanski also has a high level of softball IQ as well.
Zeznanski has excellent awareness that puts her in position to thrive.
“She is always communicating with her teammates to e the same page,” Pennanen said. “She trains to recognize the tendencies of the opponent and how to use that to her team’s advantage.”
Zeznanski is on the grind to perfect and hone her craft in any way possible.
“Anna always gives her best effort, and in just the few weeks that she has been playing her skill level has greatly improved,” Pennanen said. “She is very coachable and that sets a great example for her other teammates to follow.”
Zeznanski is constantly striving for greatness in everything that she does.
“My goal is to be the best person I can be and help others,” Zeznanski said. “I want to make my family proud of me in all that I do as an athlete and as a person as well.”
Zeznanski explains her collegiate aspirations.
“I would love to play at Florida Southern College,” Elaraj said. “It is my dream college because it has a great criminal justice major and I would still be close to home so my family can see me play.”
Zeznanski lists creative writing as her favorite subject in school.
“I get to express myself fully and with no boundaries,” Zeznanski said. “It lets me be myself and let out all of the feelings I have inside. It’s a very rewarding feeling for me when I’m writing.”
Pennanen is confident Zeznanski is willing to do whatever it takes to keep growing as a player.
“Anna is a team player and will do whatever is necessary to improve herself and her teammates,” Pennanen said.
Pennanen believes the sky is the limit as long as Zeznanski continues to stay hungry.
“She is an unselfish player that puts the team above herself while also being a talented contributor,” Pennanen said. “She has the skills to play on the next level. I think she can accomplish all of her dreams and I look forward to witnessing her having a special career.”
Speak with a Youth1 Recruiting Counselor
Youth1’s Recruiting Counselors are on a mission to educate you on the recruiting process - one that's very competitive and starts early. Let us provide guidance through the most important decisions that shape your athlete's journey in sports.
Learn how to become a recruitable student-athlete, find out what colleges you match best with, and get the ability to message college coaches directly with a specialized recruiting package.
Don't wait, schedule a time to speak with a Youth1 Recruiting Counselor. It's FREE! Just fill out the following information and then select a date and time in the form below.
This article was written and posted by one of our talented contributors. If you think you've got the writing, research and social media skills to join Youth1's freelance team then send a resume and writing sample to [email protected] for consideration.