Whiz Kid: Brittany Sanchez

Name: Brittany Sanchez

Age: 18

Grade: Senior

School:  Niles North High School

Accomplishments:  Softball star Brittany Sanchez signed a letter of intent with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a full scholarship this past September.  She has dominated all aspects of the game during her time at Niles North High School.

Sanchez was also named all conference as a freshman, sophomore and junior in softball. As a junior, she was also named to the all-state team. Her eye-popping statistics include .530, .476 and .461 batting averages during her freshman, sophomore and junior years, respectively. She holds the Viking record for most hits in a season with 54 during, a milestone she achieved during her freshman year.  Sanchez is also towards the top of the Niles North record book for RBI’s, extra base hits, and stolen bases.

But numbers don’t tell the whole story. 

“Brittany is an incredible defensive player.  She has the strongest arm I have ever seen for a high school softball player," said softball coach Karin Wick. "On offense she can slap the ball or hit for power, whatever the situation calls for.

“Brittany is an amazing athlete and an amazing leader. She works hard, is dedicated and is as competitive as anyone I have seen," Wick added. "She wants to be the best she can be and puts it all on the field. Her high standards and drive filter down to the all the girls. She is truly a coach’s dream."

Sanchez has been playing softball since she was 7-years-old. Along with playing for the Vikings, she has played for Chill Gold, a prestigious Chicago area travel team that competes with top clubs all over the country. 

“I simply love the game, both on and off the field. It’s about more than just hitting and fielding," Sanchez said. "Playing competitive softball has taught me about life and has made me mentally strong."

Key to Awesomeness:  Sanchez credits her personal success to her teammates:  
“I would not be anywhere without them, especially this season when I have been in a bit of a hitting slump. They have picked me up whenever  I am down," she said. "Our support for each other is really incredible.'

Sanchez is hitting  an impressive .305 this year, but is getting a lot of walks as opposing pitchers seldom throw her any good pitches to hit. 

The immediate goal for Sanchez and the team is to win their conference this year, where they are 2-1.   Sanchez sees Glenbrook North and Maine West as the main competition.  Overall, the varsity squad is 8-3.

After high school, Sanchez plans to continue working hard and aims to make a starting spot on the U of I squad.  She has also been accepted to the School of Applied Health Science where she will look to pursue a career in nursing or community health.