West Deptford's Linquist ready to lead in senior season

When it comes to softball, Jess Linquist has always looked up to her sister, Marissa, whom she grew up watching.

The two shared the same field in 2013 for West Deptford. Jess, then a freshmen, learned how to handle different situations from Marissa and the other seniors.

Flash forward and Jess Linquist is the proven veteran. In her final season as an Eagle, she looks to continue to be that voice of motivation, like that of her sister's class, for her team.

"She naturally builds confidence in her teammates just by her own skill and ability," West Deptford coach Mandy Schramm said. "She gives the rest of her teammates a feeling that they're in it and they're able to come through. When she's comfortable, they feel secure on the field and in the lineup."

"I think it's really important especially as a young player to always have someone to look up to," said Linquist, who was named a captain again along with senior second baseman Alexa Anderson.

Linquist was the pulse of the Eagles lineup in 2015, batting .652 and registering team highs with 52 hits, 38 RBIs, 40 runs, 20 doubles, and 5 home runs. The cleanup hitter said that confidence at the plate - something she has built up since her first season - has bred success.

"I've put in tons of hours in the cages, but when you step up to the plate, you kind of forget about all that," Linquist said.

Linquist is "all business," according to Schramm. The senior said that kind of attitude and enjoying the sport go hand in hand.

"I don't think a lazy player can have fun," Linquist said. "I think that challenging yourself every single game and working hard are the best part of the game."

That includes throwing her body into the dirt to catch a ball, an opportunity she should get as the first baseman for a senior-laden infield in 2016.

It's a natural position for a player who commands respect, but it's not the only spot on the diamond she has manned in her career. Linquist also picked up valuable insight from time in center field and a stint at shortstop, a rarity for a lefthander.

"I learned throughout those two seasons how to get comfortable being uncomfortable," Linquist said. "Playing first base is definitely my favorite. It's helped me be a better leader in that I see a lot of the field and I'm able to talk to my teammates."

Although Linquist will say goodbye after this season and head south to George Washington, she still will have a Schramm as her coach. Mandy's twin sister, Stacey, is the skipper for the Division I Colonials.

"I guess we'll see which Schramm she likes better," Mandy Schramm joked.

Before then, Linquist has work left to do with her current coach and West Deptford.

Even more than taking home a title at season's end, Linquist wants to see her whole team improve, and she wants to be responsible for making that happen.

"These teammates are the reason I step out on the field," she said. "It's not about a title or winning or the littlest things, it's about this team and what I can get out of it."