Lansing’s Lindsey Fish heads to SUNY Morrisville for softball

Tompkins County has a proud history of softball standouts who have gone on to compete in college. The most recent examples are Groton’s Elisa Allen at Binghamton University and Dryden’s Kahlen Cornell at Georgian Court University, and Lansing’s Zoie Burke at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Another Lansing native is getting set for the next chapter of her career. 

Lindsey Fish will play at SUNY Morrisville next spring. Prior to her commitment, she had the opportunity to practice with the team and watch some of their games. There were plenty of factors that made her decision on where to attend college an easy one. 

“I noticed how [head] coach [Chris] Comino had a high softball IQ, and he’s really eager to work with me,” Fish said. “The school has awesome facilities and programs, and that’s kind of how I knew that Morrisville was the place for me. I could feel the strong bond that the team had. It reminded me a lot of Lansing volleyball, which was exactly what I was looking for in a team. The coaching style and the team dynamic at Morrisville really stood out and played a crucial role in my decision to commit.”

Fish won’t be the only player from Section IV on the Mustangs. In fact, there were eight players from the section on last season’s team, including Trumansburg alum and rising sophomore Hannah Brennan. Section IV has consistently been one of the strongest areas for softball in the state. Playing so many high-caliber opponents will no doubt help Fish adjust to the collegiate game.

“It always pushed me to try and match other people’s levels,” Fish said. “Yes, I should play how I play, but it’s always nice to be pushed and compete with other very talented players.”

Fish’s time with the Bobcats has been a roller coaster, to say the least. While she was on the varsity for her freshman and sophomore seasons, she didn’t play due to a hip surgery. She then had a healthy junior year where she led the team with an astonishing .537 batting average and three home runs, earning IAC First Team All-Star honors. She capped things off this past spring by being named an IAC Second Team All-Star despite missing a chunk of the regular season with an injury to her throwing hand. She was able to make it back for the postseason, where she was essentially throwing with three fingers.

Even when Fish was sidelined with injuries, she was still a great presence in the dugout, encouraging her teammates on and being a beacon of support. It’s something she certainly takes pride in.

“I always think sportsmanship is one of the most important parts [of softball],” Fish said. “Even if I’m not on the field, I enjoy cheering my team on. I think it’s really important that everyone’s included no matter where they’re at.”

Along with her outstanding production at the plate, Fish is also a reliable defender at shortstop. But it’s the former that has grown the most since her days on the modified team. 

“I’ve always loved being in the field,” Fish said. “That was my favorite. I couldn’t wait to get on defense. My junior season was kind of when I was like, ‘Wow, I’ve actually developed new hitting skills, and I gained power that I didn’t know I had. I don’t know where it came from.’ I was seeing the ball a lot better than when I was younger.”

The mental aspect of softball has also been an area of growth for Fish. It’s also something that will come in handy at the next level.

“The mental part of softball used to be a struggle for me,” Fish said. “I’ve learned to get past most of that, learning to not look back at the mistakes and only move forward. I think that is going to be a huge help for me. My softball IQ has increased just from playing with [Lansing head] coach [Pete] Walker and being around the team. Everybody brings their own skills to the table.”

Fish also credited her father for helping her become the tremendous softball player that she is today.

“I owe so much to my dad for all the days he pushed me and worked with me to advance my skill level since I was like six or seven years old,” Fish said.

As Fish prepares for the hour-and-a-half trip up to Morrisville, she’ll hope to make an immediate impact on the Mustangs come next spring.

“I just want to give everything at practice and games and be the best that I can be,” Fish said. “Whatever Coach asks of me, I’ll do it. I’m willing to do anything for the team, and I’m excited for the changes and challenges from high school softball to college softball. I’m looking forward to bonding with the team and starting my new chapter with them.”