February 14, 2010

Liddy van der Linden '10 (Worcester, MA/St. Peter Marian) is a three-year captain and starting shortstop for the Saint Joseph's Softball team. Since joining the Monks in 2007 she has started in 119 straight games, all at short, with a .342 (126-368) average, 28 doubles, 74 runs and 83 RBI in three seasons. One of the most consistent performers in program history, van der Linden is on pace to make a run at the team career records for at bats and hits and will likely rank in the top five in most of the team's offensive categories when her career comes to a close. As good as she is with the bat, her glove may be even better. She made only four errors in 169 chances - and no miscues in 94 chances in conference games - as a junior.

Head Coach Jamie Smyth '92:

"Liddy has been such an outstanding performer for us in her first three seasons.  She has started and played every game at shorstop for us which is a tribute to her ability and hard work.  Liddy is a great student in a tough major of nursing, and a tremendous leader on our team as one of our captains.  After this season Liddy will be at the top many of the career records and go down as arguably the best shortstop ever to play for the Royal Blue."

Bio information

Full name:  Elizabeth Mechelien van der Linden 

Born when and where?  December 3rd, 1987 in Worcester, Massachusetts 

Year:  2010 

Major:  Nursing 

Hometown:  Worcester, MA 

High School:  St. Peter-Marian 

Sport(s) and position(s):  softball, shortstop 

Favorites

Song:  Probably any Dave Matthews song. I love his music and voice! 

Professional Sports Team:  Any Boston teams, especially the Red Sox 

Athlete:  Larry Bird 

Food:  My mom's American Chop Suey 

T.V. Show(s):  I usually don't have too much time to watch T.V., but when I do, some of my favorites are One Tree Hill, Forensic Files, Saved by the Bell, and The Bachelor. 

Movie(s):  Twilight, New Moon, The Notebook, The Hangover, Wedding Crashers, Remember the Titans, The Proposal, and a whole lot more! 

Book:  "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult 

Feature Questions

Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?
 When looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to go to school for nursing and stay in the New England area, so my mom got me this book that listed all the different colleges in New England and the majors they had to offer. I happened to stumble upon Saint Joseph's College, noticed they had a nursing program, and decided to visit the school to see what it was like. I had a tour at the school, fell in love with the beautiful campus and the friendliness of the people, and ended up applying early action into the nursing program. 

What was your first job (actually received a paycheck)?
When I was 16, I worked as a lifeguard at a summer camp. I also starting working at Holy Cross College as a banquet waitress for all the events they had and still do some working there today! 

Who would you like to trade places for a day with and why?
Hmmm... that's a hard question...But I would probably have to pick Jennie Finch. She is pretty much one of the most famous softball players, and I feel is a great role model for young women and aspiring softball players. Plus, I think it's awesome that she can make it look easy striking out professional baseball players with her 71-mile per hour rise-ball (don't worry, that's only equivalent to at least a 100 mph fastball in baseball...crazy huh?) 

What is on your "Bucket List?"
I would say to travel around the world. I feel like it would be so much fun to be able to see and experience different places and cultures. 

Talent you'd most like to have:
I would probably want to be able to sing or act. I admire all those people that are able to go up on stage and put themselves into a totally different character and role. As for singing, I do a lot of belting out songs in my car and in the shower, but don't have the greatest voice, so it would be nice to be able to sing in tune :) 

What do you drive?
A 1993 Honda Accord named "Rhonda the Honda"...Old car, but gets me from point A to point B and that's all that matters.

What is your motto?
My "motto" would have to be just to always work hard and have heart and passion in everything I do. By doing this, it helps me achieve anything I want, even if it may seem impossible. 

Do you have any superstitions before you go into a big game?
No big superstitions...I just kind of go with the flow of that day. However, our softball team usually has a regular routine of how we warm up and one thing I always have to wear at all of my games is my Phiten Titanium Necklace. 

What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at SJC?
My most memorable moment as an athlete at SJC would have to be during my sophomore year when playing down in Florida against a tough RPI team. Our team had been down by several runs against this team that was known to be a powerhouse in their conference. During that game, I ended up hitting my first out-of-the-park homerun/grand slam in my whole softball career. It was one of my best individual moments, but the best part of that game was that our whole team came together to pull off the big upset. Our team and our fans were going crazy, and it was awesome feeling! 

Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
No question...My mom...She is the hardest working, caring, and supportive person I know, and has made a lot of sacrifices in her own life to make sure I would be able to fulfill some of my goals in my life. 

Can you tell us something about you that most people don't know?
I played the piano for 10 years. I had weekly lessons right up until I was a senior in high school. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Working as a nurse in the Portland area and maybe even be in the process of getting my master's or nurse practitioner degree. 

If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
It would have to be Oprah! It would be awesome to hang out with the most powerful and influential woman in the world. And maybe, I could get some cool free stuff too! 

What are your hobbies?
Playing any sports or doing something active (I'm very competitive!), hanging out with family and friends, watching movies and listening to music, and just being able to relax when I have the time 

What is your ideal day away from athletics?
If it's nice outside, relaxing on the beach down in Cape Cod. Also, just being with and spending quality time with my family and friends is ideal for me. 

Do you plan on playing sports or coaching after you graduate?
Definitely! After I get established with my job as a nurse, I would definitely consider coaching, because I love working with kids, and it would be so much fun to teach them a game that I love and am passionate about. 

What are your personal and team goals for this season?
For team goals, it would be winning the GNAC championship this year. We were so close last year, and I think with our experience and the new additions on our team, it is definitely an achievable goal! As for personal goals, I want to have an all around good year both defensively and offensively and contribute to my team in any way possible to help us win. 

Anything else you'd like to add?
Let's work hard to win GNAC's this year girls and have tons of fun along the way!

Career Statistics: