Last season, Fortier broke the Fordham single season record in home runs, runs scored, walks and slugging percentage. (Samuel Joseph/The Ram)
The Fordham Ram: You started off in Stony Brook, what made you come to Fordham?
Elise Fortier: Their winning history behind coach Bridget Orchard, who has really built the program from when it first started. Actually, I looked up their stats when I was first looking to transfer and saw how big their hitters were and how powerful they were and the competition they played against, so I definitely wanted to be part of a program like that.
TFR: Were you always a shortstop?
EF: I was not. My freshman year I played third at Stony Brook, and then my sophomore year I played third here. I made the switch last year, and when I was younger I played third in high school, but I played some short in my freshman and sophomore year of high school and in travel.
TFR: Was it difficult for you to make the transition from third to short?
EF: I found it pretty easy only because it’s the position I started at. It was just making the adjustments and working with my assistant coach Reese [Mariconda] on extra time.
TFR: You’ve earned a few records as a member of Fordham’s team. Which stands out most to you?
EF: The home runs are obviously a big one it’s a huge accomplishment. With my hitting coach, Reese, that was huge last year especially because coming off my sophomore year I didn’t have a great hitting year and she came in last year and my numbers jumped up.
TFR: What does it mean to also have the Atlantic-10 record for home runs?
EF: It’s a huge accomplishment, and I think it’s not just individual but for the school and what it means for our program. It shows that we don’t just have pitching anymore. We kind of proved that we’re a hitting team, we’re not just a pitching team.
TFR: Do you feel that you have a leadership role on the team?
EF: Yes, I feel like even though I wasn’t here for the full four years, last year I kind of stepped into a leader position, and this year we have a great group of underclassmen. They’re still learning the ropes, learning how the Fordham softball program works. Everyone comes in as great players but every program is a little different so you need your upperclassmen to show them the way.
TFR: You’re projected to win the Atlantic-10 again this year. Do you think this team has a capabilities of doing that?
EF: Oh, absolutely. We had a few tough losses in the beginning of the year to very good teams, but coming off Saturday’s two wins off a great GW team. It really showed that we have what it takes to win it all again.
TFR: And finally, what are your plans after graduation?
EF: I want to be a college coach. I want to coach softball, so after I graduate I’m going to coach with the Rhode Island Thunder which is a team I played with before.
Anthony Pucik is Assistant Sports Editor at The Fordham Ram.
