By Steve Svetovich
Holy Cross sophomore first baseman Mia Galella has been on a power surge all season.
The sophomore stalwart is second in home runs with eight in the Lackawanna League Division II.
She is also among the leaders in RBIs with 29 and in runs with 31.
She is batting .455 with a robust .704 on base percentage. Mia has seven doubles and a triple in addition to her eight homers.
Opposing pitchers often pitch around her. She has 40 walks.
Against Montrose in the District 2, Class 2A quarterfinals, a 14-1 win, Mia was intentionally walked twice in two at bats. She scored once and had three stolen bases.
Against Lakeland in the District 2, Class 2A semifinals, an 11-8 win, Mia walked, singled, doubled and homered. She scored twice, knocked in four runs and had four stolen bases.
“The one thing that was really crazy this season,” she said, ” is that I have been walked 40 times. I’m so thankful to my teammates who do their part and be productive and allow us to compete for a District 2 title opportunity.”
Daughter of Tom and Michelle Galella, Mia helped Holy Cross to a 10-4 league record this season. Seven of her homers came during the regular season.
As a freshman, Mia batted over .500 and finished second in the league with nine homers. Mia was selected All Regional at first base as a freshman.
The hitting standout also excels in the classroom. She has a 4.01 grade point average at Holy Cross. Her best academic subject is math. Mia is a member of the Pro Life Club and TRU Club. She received distinguished honors in Latin as a freshman and sophomore.
Her parents are her biggest fans. “My parents always teach me to try my best,” she said. ” No matter if you are playing the best or worst team, try your best. They also teach me to always be humble.”
Well-spoken and thoughtful, Mia said Holy Cross veteran softball coach Joe Ross has been a strong mentor. ” He teaches us no matter how good we are, we need to always stay humble. Always treat your opponent with respect.”
Mia enjoys listening to music and is a huge fan of Taylor Swift. “I want to see her so bad,” she said. “The tickets initially were so high in cost, but I will eventually get to see her. I hope so.”
Mia talked about what it takes to be a good first baseman in high school softball.
“You need to be aggressive and know everything that is going on around you. You need to help the other infielders. You need to help both the infield and outfield and be very vocal.”
She talked about what it takes to be a good hitter. “You need very good mechanics to hit the ball well. You need a good mindset, to be aggressive, and not over think. You need the hunger to win the at bat.
“Yes, yes, yes until it’s no. Don’t let the pitcher beat you.”
Mia is not sure where she wants to attend college yet, but does want to play college softball.
“I want to play Division I college softball, graduate, and pursue a career I have a passion for.”
Humble yet confident, Mia is enjoying her experience at a Holy Cross. “It’s great. I love it here. Everyone is so nice. The teachers and coaches are the best.”