Fitzsimmons shines on the diamond at Idaho State

Auburn Riverside graduate Amanda Fitzsimmons has found her stride at Idaho State University this softball season. The senior broke the school's career home run, RBI and doubles records while playing five games at Boise State last weekend.

March 20, 2013 9:58 pm
Amanda Fitzsimmons
Amanda Fitzsimmons

For the Reporter

Auburn Riverside graduate Amanda Fitzsimmons has found her stride at Idaho State University this softball season.

The senior broke the school’s career home run, RBI and doubles records while playing five games at Boise State last weekend.

Fitzsimmons notched the 21st home run, 75th RBI and 25th double of her career. She also is closing in on the Bengals’ career runs scored record, with her 70 runs just eight shy of the mark. She also has 108 career hits, ranking her second after Megan Miller’s 151.

Fitzsimmons was named the 2012 Pacific Coast Softball Conference Mountain Division Player of the Year.

After graduating from Auburn Riverside, Fitzsimmons originally signed to play at the University of Washington. But before the start of her sophomore season, she realized that the UW was not the right fit for her. Her decision to transfer to Pocatello was made after a conversation with ISU coach Julie Wright.

“As soon as I heard what coach wanted to do with the program, I was all in,” Fitzsimmons told the ISU Athletic Department. “It was a done deal. I was ready. It was a week from the time I got my release to when I committed. I love rebuilding this new program. Even though I wish I still had more time, my experience here has been awesome.”

After the season, Fitzsimmons will be a semester away from graduating with her degree in sports management and said she wants to stay around the game coaching youth. This past summer she spent time coaching in the local parks and recreation league.

Wright has been a big influence in her decision to stay involved with the game.

“She is a really good role model for us,” Fitzsimmons said.

Fitzsimmons and the Bengals are 9-14, their best start since the program was brought back in 2007. A big key in the start has been the dedication the team had in the offseason to prepare.

“The commitment we had over the summer to stick to the workout plan … moved us a step ahead from where we were last year,” Fitzsimmons said. “Last year it felt like we needed to catch up because we were not all on the same level.”