Sage Snyder ‘25 is majoring in speech-language pathology and minoring in psychology. Snyder plays in the outfield for the Moravian softball team and is the co-chair for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which offers input to the NCAA about policies and regulations; she also assists student-athletes on campus. Coached by Josh Baltz, Amy Rogers, Janae Matos, Leah Holmes, Paige Zigmund, and Justine Rossi, Snyder will begin her season during spring break ‘25 in Florida. In her limited free time, she enjoys reading murder mysteries and romance novels.
What is your favorite thing about the sport?
My favorite thing about the sport is the balance between strategy and action. A lot that we do to win involves outsmarting our opponent, and if the strategy to do so is executed, the energy in the dugout and on the field is contagious and we feel so connected as a team.
Why did you choose to play at Moravian University?
I chose to play at Moravian University because of the legacy of the program. Being recruited by former head coach John Byrne felt like an immense honor and there has not been a day that I have doubted my decision to come here and help to continue that legacy.
What accomplishments have you had while playing for Moravian?
I have been named to the 2023 and 2024 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Softball Team, Landmark Conference All-Conference First Team in both 2023 and 2024, Landmark Conference Athlete of the Week in 2023, NCAA DIII Region V All-Region Third Team in 2024, and NCAA DIII Cambridge (Mass.) Super Regional Most Outstanding Player in 2023. I also started on the 2023 team, who made the Women’s College World Series and finished tied for 5th.
What is your preseason like?
Our offseason in the fall, we get to practice four days a week for a couple weeks. We have one day of play when we play 20 innings against Kutztown University. Preseason begins in January shortly after winter break. We practice six days a week indoors, and outdoors on the football turf when the weather permits. We also lift with the strength coaches two to three times a week, both in-season and out-of-season. Following preseason, we head to Florida for spring break, where we generally play ten games to kick off the season.
Why did you first get involved with this sport?
I began playing T-ball when I was just five years old, and softball has been a large part of my life since then. When I was nine, I began playing travel ball all year, and from there, I began playing in tournaments and showcases as I got older. My coaches played a huge role in my love for the sport. I feel that if I had not had such amazing coaches who believed in me when I was younger, I would never have realized my potential and become the player I am today.
How do you spend your free time?
In my free time, I dedicate myself to my school work, and I spend time with my friends. I love to get in extra workouts, and when I am home, I spend the majority of my time working as a bartender for a restaurant and catering company.
How do you balance your time?
Playing softball actually helps me balance my time. It forces me to stay on schedule and do assignments in my free time before practices or games, and not allow me to get too caught up in studying for hours at a time.
Challenges as an athlete?
As many athletes do, I struggle to cope with failure. I am always a work in progress and dealing with a setback such as a bad game or practice and bouncing back. Failing is part of being an athlete, and finding the time to put in the extra work is a big priority for me.
