Grant’s Calista Warmowski is used to being the center of attention in softball.
The senior shortstop is a four-year varsity player and committed to play at Marian University in Wisconsin.
But Warmowski also receives her share of attention at home. She’s the second-oldest of eight siblings, the youngest being born in January.
“I love it because the house is always exciting and chaotic,” Warmowski said. “There’s always something going on. I feel I always have a sport to go watch when I’m bored or need something to do. I can hang out with them.”
Warmowski credits her large family for also helping forge her leadership skills. The Bulldogs have eight seniors on their 13-player roster.
“I have to be that person everyone can come to as a leader,” she said. “I have to step up when needed to help the team and keep a positive attitude. It helps me that I had to step up when my parents are not at home.”
Warmowski leads the team in nearly every offensive category, according to Grant coach Chris Van Alstine. Coming into the week, she was batting .500 with an on-base percentage of .584 to go with 23 RBIs and 19 runs scored in 18 games. Defensively, Warmowski has only four errors.
She had a double and drove in two runs in a 7-3 win over Vernon Hills on April 13. Warmowski was 3-for-3 with a triple and double in a 12-1 victory over Lakes on April 18.
Besides her contributions on the field, Warmowski helps Grant’s program with fundraisers and coaching the youth teams.
“Calista has been a standout since her freshman year,” Van Alstine said. “But I think this is her best year. She’s making plays at shortstop now that I’ve never seen, especially going to her right.
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“She’s also throwing out people with a crazy strong arm. She’s been a great leader, and does so much for our program. She wants to leave the program better than when she started.”
Warmowski’s varsity career didn’t require an introduction phase. She had a solid freshman season before hitting .385 and scoring 45 runs as a sophomore. Last year, Warmowski hit .410 with four home runs and 45 runs scored to lead the Bulldogs to a 20-win season.
Warmowski quit playing basketball and volleyball before her junior year. But despite her success, she elected not to pursue playing softball at the Division I level in college.
“In my freshman year, I was just happy to be on the varsity,” Warmowski said. “Ever since, I knew I could play in college. I didn’t want to play Division I. I like to do other things besides just softball.”
Van Alstine said Warmowski has become a program-building player during her career. She also uploads events and schedules to the team’s numerous social media accounts.
“She really holds all of this together and does so much more than just being a fantastic athlete,” he said. “She does so many behind-the-scenes things.”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.