St. Charles N. misses friend, teammate Plezbert

Normally I reserve this space to write about high school athletes and their accomplishments between the lines.

I’ve seen my share of fantastic individual and team performances throughout the years.

I’ll admit that I’ve come away in awe of these student-athletes at times – after they’ve tiptoed the sideline to catch a touchdown pass, dribbled end-to-end to make a 2-hand slam dunk, or belted a game-winning 3-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Perhaps that is because it brings me back to my carefree teenage days when life seemed a whole lot easier than it does today.

Whatever the case, I enjoy watching high school athletes play sports simply for the love of the game.

No one is about to enter a contract year. There is no such thing as free agency. Trade talk is silent.

This column, however, is a little different from the rest because it focuses on someone who isn’t playing anymore.

Unfortunately, her carefree teenage days have been cut short by extenuating circumstances.

As a junior last season, JuliaClare Plezbert earned a starting spot at first base for St. Charles North’s girls softball team.

She played a pivotal role in the North Stars’ 34-5 season that included capturing the Upstate Eight Conference championship.

While the North Stars’ postseason hopes were dashed following a stunning first-round regional loss to York, the majority of the team’s players were juniors a year ago.

So Plezbert entered her senior season with the same high aspirations as the rest of her teammates.

Three weeks ago, Plezbert made what had to be one of the most difficult decisions of her young life – making the choice that she could no longer play softball because of pressing family obligations.

While I don’t feel comfortable prying into someone’s private life, from what I understand, Plezbert has at least one parent who has experienced ongoing health problems.

Plezbert’s decision to walk away from softball in order to free up more time for work to help her family’s needs undoubtedly ranks as one of the most unselfish acts I’ve heard.

“I’ve never had to deal with something like this before,” said North Stars coach Tom Poulin. “I’ve had some kids consider it but the situation hasn’t been so serious to leave the team.”

Senior center fielder Loren Cihlar knew something wasn’t quite right but still expressed shock when Plezbert addressed the team with her decision three weeks ago.

“We had an idea that she was distracted by something going on with her family life,” said Cihlar. “She had started missing games and practices about a week prior to the Bartlett game (April 21).”

While Poulin offered to let the team know about her decision, Plezbert insisted on telling teammates herself.

“It was a rough afternoon when she had to explain it,” said Poulin. “It was a moment of time for this group that they’re not going to forget. They’ll always remember that day and that situation.

“I wasn’t surprised that she wanted to address the team herself,” Poulin added. “She’s got such a big heart. She’s a loving, caring kid with a good head on her shoulders.”

“When she told us, she was very apologetic,” Cihlar recalled. “It had to be a difficult decision.”

Keep in mind that Plezbert didn’t just walk away from any ordinary team – the North Stars began the week with an impressive 19-2 record and stood atop the Upstate Eight Conference River Division standings.

“You know how serious a situation it is when she feels like she has to give up playing,” said Poulin. “She’s got a real passion for softball.”

Poulin has a great deal of respect and admiration for Plezbert.

“When I look back at my senior year and what I was doing then, I’m not sure if I would have been able to deal with it like she has,” said Poulin.

“At this point of the year, you wish your main concerns were choosing a college, going to prom, and playing softball.”

“We know she has a lot on her plate,” said Cihlar. “We understand that family comes first and that she really didn’t have time for softball right now.

“JuliaClare is one of the sweetest girls I know,” Cihlar added. “She brought a sense of warmth to the team. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone.”

Poulin admits the team has been affected by the series of events.

“It has been a blow to the group collectively,” said the coach. “We always talk about the softball group being like a second family. We lost a sister. It has been a learning experience for everyone.”

“Emotionally, we’re doing fine,” said Cihlar. “Of course, we wish JuliaClare could be with us. It’s sad not having her around but we still consider her to be a part of our team. We’ve told her that if she can possibly come to a game, she’ll be sitting in our dugout.”

The situation has weighed emotionally on Poulin.

“Honestly, there’s a not a day that goes by that I don’t think about it,” said Poulin. “She is sacrificing something that was a huge part of her life. But you have to be proud of the commitment and dedication she has shown her family.”

Plezbert has displayed the kind of devotion that is well beyond her years.

“I pray for her and her family, and wish her the best,” said Poulin.

You can reach Craig Brueske at csb4k@hotmail.com