While Warner insists that, "Most of my current success is probably based on just practicing more and being generally more stubborn than the competition," the freshman is clearly talented, as evidenced by her performance on the mound.
Less than halfway through her rookie season, Warner has already been named NESCAC Player of the Week. In addition, she was the pitcher of record for Amherst's first eight victories. As if that weren't enough, Warner has also pitched three shutouts, a number of complete games and a no-hitter.
Senior co-captain Missy Mordy praised Warner's ability to step up to expectations. "[Warner] was placed in the difficult role of filling the role of our number-one pitcher as a freshman, but she has an extremely hard work ethic and is a very smart, astute pitcher," she said. Mordy continued to praise Warner, commenting that, "the thing that has most impressed me about Miya is her poise and confidence on the mound."
Such poise and precision requires more than skill, they require practice. While growing up in Berkeley, Calif., Warner practiced pitching year round with the help of her father and a pitching coach. During her final high school softball season, in which Warner was captain, team MVP and League MVP at Berkeley High School, Warner practiced a grueling six days a week. When the season ended, she continued pitching four days a week, playing in offseason tournaments and staying in shape by going to the gym several times a week.
There is another element to pitching which requires a sort of practice of its own. Conquering the fear, pressure and glare of the spotlight that a pitcher endures is something that is just as important as physical strength.
Warner relishes this responsibility. "The reason that I eventually chose pitching is that I love being a part of every play," she said. "A pitcher has a huge influence on the outcome of every game she's in. I've even come to enjoy the pressure."
Although the pitcher may be influential, Warner defers much of the Jeffs' success elsewhere. Citing the bond with and talent of catcher Kate Raddock '06 as a large reason for pitching success, Warner also maintained that the skilled leadership of Head Coach Sue Everden and the camaraderie of her teammates are the foundation for the team's winning record.
The feeling is clearly reciprocal. Everden praised Warner, saying "She has been a fantastic addition to the softball program. Miya is a top-rate student and athlete, and is a talented player who is well rounded in all aspects of the game. Even better, she is a delightful individual who is extremely coachable and has an excellent sense of humor."
Success hasn't bred complacency for the rookie. Warner wants nothing less than a Div. III title for the Amherst team this spring. As an individual, she hopes to raise her batting average, lower the number of walks she allows each game and become more comfortable with throwing her change-up in any situation.
Warner contends that hard work and practice are going to be integral on her road to success in life both on and off the softball field. Look for Warner to remain on top of the mound, on top of her game, and on top of life.
Everden concluded by commenting that if Warner's career continues as started, "She will end up as one of the best to ever play the game here at Amherst."