Emily Brecht is not easily defined as a softball player.
Switching positions on a regular basis doesn’t bother her. The Antioch junior actually prefers it.
“I like the infield the most, but I also like behind the plate too,” Brecht said. “Playing a lot of positions is good for me. It allows me to reset. When I move to a different position for a game, it clears my mind. I know every play, especially at third base.”
Brecht did add some clarity to her career last week when she committed to play softball at Tennessee Tech.
But she remains uncertain about the position she’ll play there, which is the theme of her career.
Brecht played mainly third base last season, when she hit .364 with six home runs and 36 RBIs and was named to the all-conference team in the Northern Lake County Conference. She started this season at second base.
“They haven’t talked about a (set) position, but they really like the fact I can play every position,” Brecht said, referring to Tennessee Tech’s coaches. “It helps me to know different positions, and that also keeps me on my feet.”
She said she chose Tennessee Tech, which has won 20 of its first 29 games this season, for the opportunity to play for a quality Division I program.
Brecht, who also received interest from Bradley, Green Bay, Iowa State and Saint Louis, made two visits to Tennessee Tech’s Cookeville campus, including an official visit earlier this month.
“When I went there, the community itself was very welcoming, and the campus was beautiful,” she said. “Just talking with the coaches and seeing that the environment suited me the best, I knew when I visited that I wanted to commit. Tennessee Tech has one of the top engineering schools in Tennessee and the country.”
Antioch coach Anthony Rocco said Brecht’s versatility and personality will help her in college.
“In tryouts this season, we worked her at five spots,” Rocco said. “Emily is one of those kids who can play every position but pitcher.
“The funny thing is in her freshman year during tryouts, we tried her out at third base and shortstop. Later that summer, I saw her playing catcher in a summer league game. I didn’t even know she played catcher. She can play anywhere for us, wherever we’re struggling. She has that mental and physical game.”
Brecht is the latest Antioch player to join the Division I club. Senior shortstop Gabby Debevec has signed with Illinois, and junior second basemen Eden Echevarria has committed to Wisconsin. Soon enough, sophomore pitcher Jacey Schuler will be a Division I recruit, Rocco said.
“To have three Division I recruits for a school our size is a rarity, or just any school,” he said.
Debevec agreed: “It’s very special because it shows that talent can come from anywhere, and it doesn’t have to come from a very populous place. I’m very proud to play for a school that’s extremely talented.”
The Sequoits (3-0) have set their sights on the big prize: the Class 3A state championship. After losing 2-0 to Sterling in a supersectional last year, they have loaded their schedule with tough Class 4A opponents.
Brecht has already hit two home runs.
“I’m so relaxed now because I don’t have to worry about committing or contacting other schools,” Brecht said. “I have set a road to my dream. I’m on that road now, which allows me to be able to focus more on my high school team and getting to state.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.