Abby Jankowski ’25, originally from Methuen, Mass., is a pitcher for the Middlebury Softball team. Jankowski was named an Easton/National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association All-American Scholar Athlete in 2022 and 2023, and a member of the NESCAC All-Academic team in 2023.
In this edition of seven questions, Jankowski shares her story of playing softball, her excitement about a new addition to the team next fall and her favorite restaurant in Middlebury.
Brooke Friberg: When did you begin playing softball, and what was your journey leading up to playing at Middlebury?
Abby Jankowski: I first started playing softball when I was probably around eight years old, trying out a bunch of different sports. I always loved the competitive nature of softball, and it’s a “game of failure” — that’s a pretty well known quote — so you face a lot of adversity and learn how to get through hard obstacles and to keep your head up. Even if you strike out once, your next at-bat could be a home run. I think the game can change really quickly, and that’s what I love about the game, you never know what’s going to happen. So, leading up to Middlebury, I always loved that about softball, and I love to be able to do that here at a high academic DIII school, where I get to do what I love for four more years.
BF: Why did you choose Middlebury?
AJ: I chose Middlebury because I went to a New England boarding school and absolutely loved it. I’m also from New England, the Boston area, so I always knew I wanted to stay in New England. When I walked onto Middlebury’s campus and saw the white brick buildings, I could really see myself there, and I felt very at home. I wasn’t sure about how rural it was going to be, but it’s been amazing. I love to ski, so in J-Term, being in the mountains and having the Snow Bowl has been so fun, and I’ve created a lot of memories here. I’m really glad that I chose [Middlebury] for the softball program as well.
BF: Do you have a top moment with Middlebury softball so far?
AJ: I think one of my favorite memories is being able to go to Florida with the softball team every March and staying in a house with all of my teammates. We always have a lot of fun — you can goof around and you get to be together for a week — and it’s when we really bond as a team. In a more softball-specific way, last year, we played an amazing game against Tufts, who was nationally ranked, and we went to extra innings with them and just barely lost. It was a heartbreaker, but the energy in that game was unmatched, and everyone was so focused, so into the game, and so loud in the dugout. That’s what I think will stick with me for the rest of my life.
BF: What’s the best thing about your teammates?
AJ: Well, we’re very goofy, so I love that about them. I feel like even if I’m having a bad day, I can always come to the locker room, come to practice and be engaged with 14 other people who love softball as much as I do and will support me no matter what. It’s very encouraging not only to play softball with these people, but to be friends with these people. I think we have a good balance of having a good time, having fun, but also being focused and all coming together to try to achieve a common goal. So, I love them.
BF: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of playing softball?
AJ: I definitely think that the hardest thing about playing Middlebury softball would be the time management, and being able to do everything you need to do, especially when it gets down to finals, kind of like it is right now, where everything is picking up and softball is also picking up. But my favorite thing is getting to have such a great balance between being very competitive academically, but also being very competitive on the field. Also, having coaches who support you and want you to achieve your goals, and are looking out for you, has been very comforting and helpful over my three years here.
BF: How does it feel knowing that next year your younger sister Alison will be here playing softball with you?
AJ: I’m so excited. I think it’s so crazy how things worked out, and I’m really excited to show her all of the reasons why I love Middlebury and to be able to make memories with her, and also for her to find her own experience at Middlebury, I’m excited to see where she goes after I’m gone, and where Middlebury takes her. I’m excited to compete with her and create so many memories with her on and off the field.
BF: What’s your favorite place to eat in town?
AJ: Definitely Two Bros. I’ve had many different menu items, and all of them have been very good. So I’d say Two Brothers for the vibe, the food, all of the above.
Editor’s Note: this interview has been edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
