Shawna Norris assumed her spot at second base for Syracuse softball on Tuesday with a lot of hype to live up to. After all, she was coming off a week where she earned Big East Player of the Week and SU Scholar-Athlete of the Week. And she knocked in game-winning runs in two of the weekend’s four games.

So all Norris did on Tuesday was hit the go-ahead run in the second game of the doubleheader against Providence on her team-best fifth home run. But you wouldn’t know by speaking to her.

After the 8-0 and 12-4 wins, Norris was all praise – only it wasn’t about her. Norris lauded her teammates, excited about winning five of six games and the prospects of earning a spot in the Big East tournament.

Her honor as the Big East’s top player last week? It’s just good to help the team, she insists.

The noteworthy performance on Tuesday? She needed to make up for a botched defensive play.

Norris is clearly one of those old-fashioned, team-first types. And after playing for three teams in her college career, it’s no wonder that she can keep her accomplishments in perspective.

Norris started college at Washington, where she played two seasons for the Huskies. Then she went to Georgia where she played for one. Eventually, she transferred to the Orange.

Norris sat out last season and had one season of eligibility remaining. She’s certain to take advantage of it.

‘I found where I should have been the whole time,’ Norris said of Syracuse. ‘I finally feel more comfortable. As a team, we’re building a lot of confidence.’

Head coach Mary Jo Firnbach said that when Norris was struggling a bit earlier this season, she pleaded that Firnbach keep her in the lineup. Firnbach did and the results are paying off.

‘It showed me her true will,’ Firnbach said. ‘She was pressing a little bit and she’s just relaxing more and taking more pitches. She’s not swinging too hard and coming out of her shoes.’

Her teammates say Norris is the consummate player, often taking extra ground-balls and swings in the batting cage. Shortstop Alexis Switenko spoke of how her double-play partner worked to acclimate herself last season, doing everything she could except actually playing in the games.

‘Just to come in and do it this year without playing last year is a big accomplishment,’ outfielder Tiffany Robinson said. ‘She definitely deserves the accolades.’

Norris earned the Big East Player of the Week on March 10 as well. Last week’s honor made her just the second player in Syracuse history to win it twice in the same season.

Firnbach’s recruitment of Norris might have been her easiest ever because she didn’t have to sell the SU program. Norris did all the legwork, calling the SU admissions office and finding out how many credits would transfer. She called Firnbach to show her interest in the program and Firnbach accepted her.

‘I went with my gut,’ Firnbach said. ‘I looked at the type of programs she played at and took a chance on her.’

Beyond her talent, Norris’ experience has been critical for a roster that’s exactly half composed of freshmen and sophomores.

‘She thinks and talks the game,’ Firnbach said. ‘We had a discussion about how much she knows the game. All she had to do was put it on the table and let it shine because this could be it for her. She only has a few weeks left.’

Published on April 12, 2005 at 12:00 pm