Photo courtesy of Vakker Portraits
Amanda Fleischman

Finding it difficult to choose to play only one of her favorite sports at the high school varsity level, Amanda Fleischman opted to participate in two: basketball and softball, and she found success in both.

Her outstanding athleticism and contributions to WHS’s girls’ basketball and softball teams this past year earned her the title of Seattle Times Eastside Female High School Athlete of the Year.

Winners of these prestigious awards were selected by Times editors, reporters and correspondents for their all-around athletic accomplishments during the 2005-6 school year.

Nominees under consideration had to excel in more than one sport at the varsity level. As catcher for her softball team, Fleischman helped lead the Falcons to a 26-3 record and a third-place finish at the Class 4A state tournament.

She batted .352, scoring three home runs and batting in 14 runs. She scored a total 26 runs and stole 16 bases, earning first-team All-Kingco 4A honors.

As forward for the Falcons’ basketball team, she averaged 11 points a game and was also named first-team All Kingco. The Falcons finished with a 24-3 record, won the Sea-King 4A District Tournament and reached the state quarterfinals.

In response to being named Eastside Female Athlete of the Year, Fleischman says, “I was so honored and excited. There are many great athletes who I have played with and against, so it’s a real honor to have been chosen.”

The recent grad has been playing softball for 10 years and basketball for six.

She enjoys both sports for different reasons: “I love softball because it challenges me everyday and it’s the hardest mental sport there is. It has given me a lot of joy in my life. I love basketball because it’s and up tempo game and a great stress releaser for me.”

When people ask Fleischman which sport she likes most, her response is always: “Whatever sport I am playing at the time is the one I would rather be doing.”

Being a member of two varsity teams and maintaining high academic standards at the same time is no easy feat. Fleischman admits that it was definitely challenging, but somehow she was always able to find time to her work done.

Late nights were par for the course, but she feels that the sports helped keep her motivated to manage her time well.

This talented young woman is a firm believer in giving her all, but she never forgets to have fun in the process.

“I truly believe that the team who has more fun, wins,” says Fleischman. “I also think that it’s important as a team and as an individual to set goals, but definitely make sure you’re okay with failing, even when you do your best.”

When asked to identify those key people in her life who she admires most, Fleischman acknowledges her softball coach, Jim Weir, and her basketball coach, Steve Segadelli.

“Both have changed my life with their dedication, their passion and their love for their sports.”

This fall, Fleischman will attend the UW on a softball scholarship and will likely play in the outfield.

She decided to focus on softball because she feels she has the most potential at this sport. Her goals are to become All-Pac-10 and later possibly work as a coach.

In looking back at her time at WHS, Fleischman will cherish the memories she has of the times she spent with her friends.

She adds, “I am going to miss the high school sports feeling. There’s nothing like suiting up with the girls you love on a Friday night and playing with all you have.”