April 17, 2006

 By Jorge de la Torre, PLNU Sports Information

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Through the first 12 games of the 2006 season, Point Loma Nazarene's (Calif.) softball team was 9-3 and ranked #7 in the country. But Head Coach Dave Williams wasn't satisfied. He believed in order for the Sea Lions to have a shot at their fourth GSAC title in five years and an extended run at nationals, the team needed a consistent and reliable presence at shortstop.

Many looked at his decision to move senior All-American Amy Nanson from first base to short as unorthodox--and maybe a little crazy when they realized that Nanson throws left-handed.

Conventional wisdom saw PLNU's incumbent shortstop, senior Katie McColeman, continuing to rotate into the position while also appearing one of the Sea Lions' two starting pitchers.   However, the practice and preparation for multiple rolls, and game-day wear and tear was taking its toll on the All-American.

When Coach Williams held a shortstop tryout, he included Nanson in the group of infielders. She showed the strongest arm, the most range and the best hands. A four-year starter at PLNU, Nanson earned All-American status as a freshman playing leftfield and again as a junior at first base. The lefty even started three games as an emergency pitcher.

But even a gifted athlete like Nanson was bound to find problems at shortstop as nearly all middle-infielders are right-handed due to throwing angles. When asked to make the change to an unfamiliar and unconventional position, however, Nanson was more than willing.

"Coach told me to go out, play fearlessly and have fun," she said. "That is the best advice you can give someone who has never played there."

The move was risky for another reason; Nanson is PLNU's most productive hitter. The slugger, who bats right-handed, owns many school records including both single season and career homeruns and career RBI. There was a chance that playing such a demanding position could affect her at the plate. 

Those fears were put to rest in Nanson's first doubleheader at shortstop against conference rival Vanguard University (Calif.) on March 4th. Not only did the Sea Lions sweep the twinbill, Nanson played flawlessly in the field, with six putouts with five assists. She also collected five hits.

"Initially, I thought it was impossible for a lefty to play short," said McColeman, who is 16-0 this season. "The angles and footwork for a lefty are just so awkward. But Amy has adjusted great.  After a couple of days of explaining concepts and the job of a shortstop, she picked it up.  Amy was thrown in a game situation and excelled like she had been playing there forever. Everyday she gets better."

Since the switch, Point Loma has posted a 26-5 record, climbed to #5 in the rankings and is in first place in the conference with a 14-2 mark. Nanson has had her ups and downs at shortstop but has settled into her new position, making just two errors in the team's last 10 contests.

"Playing leftfield was natural for me and at first base all I had to do was catch the ball." said Nanson. "Shortstop is very different but the concept is the same - field the ball to get an out. The move has increased my number of jobs exponentially. To be successful means I just have to work harder."

Nanson's hitting has remained steady and often spectacular. She is currently batting .412 with 15 doubles, five triples, eight homers, 50 runs scored and 45 RBI.  Deceptively fast, the 5'9" Nanson has also stolen 21 bases this year.

Although she is in her last season at Point Loma, Nanson is as motivated as ever with more school records within her reach.

"I set goals that lead to breaking records," she said. "I push myself to be better, but during season I like to focus and play one game at a time."

There are still quite a few second looks when people see Nanson playing in the middle of the diamond for Point Loma. One umpire wanted to know why she did everything backwards and Williams has been reminded more than once that his shortstop is left-handed.

Williams has no regrets with his decision.

"Moving Amy has worked out really well for a number of reasons," he said. "It takes a lot of pressure off of Katie McColeman so she can really focus on pitching and hitting. Last year we rotated middle-infielders. We now have a shortstop that is the same every game so there is more consistency. Also, freshman Carrie Stewart has been given the opportunity to play first base and has done a great job."

With the regular season winding down and with playoffs quickly approaching, Nanson will be tested more and more at one of the most demanding positions on the field. There is no doubt that she will approach the challenge with the same `can do' attitude that she has maintained in her four seasons at Point Loma.

"Amy is a softspoken senior who leads by example and works as hard as anyone on the team," said Williams.  "When she does have something to say, she commands a lot of respect because she backs up the things she says with her actions."

The next few months are busy ones for Nanson. In May she will play in her fourth consecutive NAIA national tournament and graduate with a degree in business. On July 15, she will marry her longtime boyfriend, Wil Ryland.

After four years of counting on her bat and glove, Williams knows that Nanson's departure will create a void that will be tough to fill.  But he will miss her selflessness and leadership just as much.  Teammates agree that Nanson's exceptional team spirit and leadership makes her an inspiration on and off the field.

"Amy is truly a special person," said McColeman. "She not only excels in softball but in all aspects of her life.  Loma softball will not be the same without her."

As she rounds out her senior season, Nanson plans to leave the questioning about her new role up to opponents, fans and curious umpires for the remainder of the season as she continues to help guide the team to more wins. 

"I want this team to succeed," said Nanson. "If that means playing shortstop that's where I want to be, no reservations, no questions asked."