Fremd's Brottman has the heart of a champion

Lena Brottman, the all-time career strikeout leader in Fremd softball history, pitches with a lot of heart.

She also has a big heart.

Even as far back as the fifth grade.

That's when Brottman was prompted to create a nonprofit charity called "Heart to Heart," an organization that donates money to local charities.

"When I was I fifth grade, we would celebrate Valentine's day, I asked myself, 'Why spend money on Valentine cards and candy when we just throw it all away?'"

Brottman wanted to give students the opportunity to donate that Valentine's Day money to a good cause.

After the first year, her charity raised over $3,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation.

Brottman expanded the program to Hunting Ridge Elementary, Plum Grove Junior High, and Fremd High School in Palatine and since 2004, Heart to Heart has donated a total of over $6,500 for local charities.

On the softball diamond, Brottman is money, too.

Her pinpoint accuracy with the strike zone has resulted in a school-record 745 strikeouts and she has helped lead the Vikings to back-to-back regional titles and a third-place finish in the Class 4A state tourney last spring.

"I want to continue to work every day to improve and get stronger, mentally and physically," said Brottman, who has committed to Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. "I want to maintain a close team chemistry and see this team be the best we can be, and make this season the most memorable."

Brottman has always produced her share of memories in a softball career that started when she was in the third grade.

"Each year since then has brought new challenges and a new perspective," she said. "That is why I love softball so much. There is a constant self-determination to push yourself to be better and stronger."

Pitching instructor Mike Watt has played an instrumental role in Brottman's development since 2006.

"But he is more than just my pitching coach," she said. "He is my mentor, friend, motivator, critic, and really a part of my family. That is what I truly treasure most about softball - the family aspect."

Brottman and some of her teammates at Fremd have played together for more than eight years.

"The entire Fremd softball program has grown into one large tight-knit family," Brottman said. "A big part of that is our coaches (head coach Jim Weaver is assisted by T.J. Valacek and Christine Vlaming).

"They are all so supportive and selfless. I know I'm not alone when I say that coach Weaver is really like a second dad to me in our softball family. We all look after each other both on and off the field, and I am so lucky to be a part of this family."

Brottman's parents Dave and Jan and her brother Joey are always in the stands cheering for the Vikings.

"My mom has been keeping her own scorebooks of my games for more than five years now," Lena said. "And my parents are already planning on how they will watch my games next year at Emory."

Brottman will study business at Emory.

An excellent student, she ranks 72 in her class of 755 with a 4.27 GPA and score of 31 on her ACT.

Among her numerous achievements, Brottman has been recognized as a 2010 member of the Daily Herald Leadership Team, a Coca-Cola National Scholar, distinguished finalist for the Prudential Spirit of Community, and a recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award.

She has also been the recipient of a " Woman to Woman: Making a Difference Award" and has been a "Kohl's Kids Who Care Program" finalist twice.

"I could talk about Lena all day and never run out of positive things to say," Weaver said. "She came in as a freshman as a 15-year-old going on 30."

It didn't take long for Weaver to see what a dedicated athlete and student he would be coaching.

Brottman has also played the alto saxophone in four bands at Fremd and was a captain for the volleyball team last fall. She is also a published poet.

"Lena has always been very mature, composed, and extremely focused and driven," Weaver said. "She is a terrific teammate that deflects her success back to the team which is the mark of a leader who gets it."

From 2007 to 2009, Brottman pitched 482.3 innings compiling a 53-15 record with a 0.57 ERA.

"Lena, along with all of the seniors in her class, has set a standard of excellence of the dedication it takes to be a championship caliber softball player," Weaver said. "Both during the season and in the off-season."

Brottman has eight different pitches in her repertoire and has been timed as fast as 63 mph.

She loves to take charge of a game and has a knack for thriving in pressure situations.

Emory University will be getting one of the most determined and composed pitchers from the northwest suburbs.

Brottman also looks forward to continuing her Heart to Heart program in college.

Brottman surely possesses the heart of a winner.