“I like being a perfectionist about certain things,” says Smyrna High student Chelsea Botsch.
That’s certainly the case when it comes to softball, where her pursuit of perfection serves her well on the pitching mound.
Over the years, she has spent countless hours practicing and refining her pitching motion – “constant repetition to make sure you’re doing it right.”
And all that work pays off at game time.
This spring, in her junior year, Botsch helped lead the Smyrna High varsity softball team to its best season in years.
At season’s end, Botsch was selected first team all-state.
Her numbers speak for themselves.
In her 17 regular season games, Botsch allowed only 10 runs, racked up 190 strikeouts, and walked only three batters.
Her earned run average was an outstanding 0.55.
She compiled a 14-3 win-loss record.
With Botsch on the mound, the Eagles won the Henlopen Northern Division championship and advanced to the semifinals of the state tournament.
Though she has earned recognition as a dominant pitcher, Botsch has also excelled at the plate as the Eagles’ leadoff hitter.
As a sophomore, Botsch took more of a “small ball” approach to get on base, but this spring she had plenty of success swinging the bat.
“I feel more comfortable, more confident at the plate this year,” she said. “If the first batter does something good, the whole team gains confidence.”
In the regular season, Botsch compiled a .328 batting average and .403 on base percentage in the leadoff slot. She scored 15 runs, batted in 14, and also hit three homeruns.
Botsch said she loves the competitive nature of softball. She’s been playing the sport since she was 9 years old.
When she first started in softball, her coach wanted her to play catcher, but she quickly switched to pitching.
“All that equipment didn’t cut it for me,” she said.
Botsch played in Smyrna-Clayton Little Lass, and has always competed on travel teams.
She played for the Smyrna-Clayton Stars from the ages of 9-12, the Delaware Cobras from 12-15, the New Jersey Breakers from 16-17, and currently plays for the Delaware Sabres.
Botsch has been the starting pitcher for the Smyrna High varsity softball team for three seasons, beginning with her freshman year.
She’ll have one more season with the team next spring.
“I’m so lucky to have the team we have,” Botsch said. “They made me look better with all the great catches, great plays, and runs.”
“I’m glad I had Morgan catching for me,” Botsch added. “She did a great job.”
Smyrna head softball coach Donnie Shaner didn’t hesitate to praise his starting pitcher.
"To me, she had to be in the top three or four pitchers in the state since she was a freshman,” he said. “Her statistics will blow your mind.”
Shaner also said she remains humble, and all her teammates like her.
“She’s there to play ball, and just wants everyone to play their game,” he said.
