Life on and off the softball field has had similarities for former Manchester soccer player and All-State softball catcher Angela Deger in her first year at West Point Military Academy. There have been struggles, but looking at the bigger picture has put things into perspective and allowed Deger to focus on the positive.

The Black Knights struggled early in the season, as did Deger. The team got off to a 4-26 start.  Deger did not see much playing time and struggled at the plate when she did.  Deger said that at first, she felt a little overwhelmed. “I would be at the plate and I would think, ‘I can’t believe I’m playing Division I softball,” she said.

 
In a series against conference rival Holy Cross on April 5 - 6, Deger started as DH.  Since that series, she has started and the team has gone 9-11. It was not until the next series, against another conference rival, Colgate, that things began to fall into place for Deger.

“Something just clicked; I realized that it was just like high school,” said Deger..“It’s the same game. You still get four balls, three strikes and there are still nine people on the field.”

Deger did not get a hit in the series, but she consistently made solid contact with the ball.

“I was absolutely crushing the ball, but I couldn’t buy a hit.  People were making unbelievable plays and diving catches. I was thinking, ‘you’ve got to be kidding me!”

Against Bucknell, Deger began to see results. In the first two games of the four game series, she went 2-4 with a homerun, her first and only for the season.  The moment was made even more special for Deger because her parents were up to see the game.

“There was a runner on second and I just kept fouling pitches off.  She threw me a changeup and I crushed it over the left field wall,” said Deger.  “It just felt good to get my first home run and to have my parents there to see it.”

For the season, Deger is batting .143 with a home run and five RBIs.

With their recent surge, the Black Knights have placed themselves in contention for the Patriot League Tournament.  The top four teams in the conference will make the tournament and, as of press time, Army sits in fourth place with an 8-12 conference records, just ahead of Colgate. 

If the Black Knights make the tournament and win, they will earn an NCAA tournament berth.

Deger said that she would like to work on her catching in the offseason. She has not logged anytime at the position this year, but the current starter is a senior and Deger would like to fill the position.

“I want to work on blocking and framing the ball and I want to work on getting to know the pitchers,” said Deger. 

Off the field life at West Point has been similar to life on the field for Deger.  There have been struggles and difficult adjustments, but Deger has continued to look on the bright side and sees many positives.

The most difficult adjustment for Deger has been the restrictions placed on freshmen.

Freshmen must be in full uniform and walk as if marching at all times. They are not allowed to talk when outside of their room or academic buildings and they must greet all upper classmen.  The greeting consists of ‘Beat Navy!” and the officer’s rank, which depends on their class.

“It’s all about the mindset,” said Deger. “I’m just trying to make the best of things.”

As a requirement of her graduation at West Point, Deger must perform at least five years of military service. Deger has not decided what area she will perform her service in, but she said that she may serve in the medical branch, which is where she said she is also leaning toward for her major (at the moment, she is focused on completing her basic classes and will decide on a major later).

Deger’s father, Ronald, served in the Navy for two years.  While her father did not pressure her to choose to attend a military academy, it was obvious to Deger that he was happy with her decision.

“I could tell that he wanted me to come here because of the prestige and what I can accomplish, but he left me to make the decision on my own,” said Deger.  “He was really proud and he was bragging to all his friends.”

With the season and academic year nearing their close, Deger has much to reflect on.  But with the struggles have come positives, and the future is bright for Deger.  There is much life to accomplish and Deger looks forward to the challenges ahead.