POLAND SOFTBALL Sensational student Steffi Graf excels in the classroom and in three sports

The valedictorian is following in the footsteps of her talented sisters.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
POLAND -- With little fanfare and fame, Steffi Graf has begun her senior season on the Poland High softball team.
That's also how she prefers to play the game.
"None of the Grafs were rah-rah vocal leaders as much as they were quiet leaders, which to me is the true mark of a leader," Poland coach Reid Lamport said. " 'Don't do as I say; do as I do.' "
Graf has followed in the footsteps of her two sisters, Kim and Allie, who graduated from Poland after excelling as student-athletes.
"They were a good influence because I watched them go through high school and college, and I saw how they competed," said Steffi Graf, the daughter of Steve and Carol Graf.
Final season
Now, as the spring sports season begins, only one Graf remains on the high school athletic scene, ready to close out her career in a winning way.
"She's a player you want your freshmen and sophomores to strive to become," Lamport said of Graf, the Bulldogs' second baseman. "There aren't many who come around like her."
A three-year starter, Graf will be a key component to the Bulldogs' run back to the regional, where last season they fell one game short of the state tournament.
After winning the Metro Athletic Conference and sectional and district titles, Poland lost to Crestwood 7-3 in the Division II regional final.
Graf batted .422 on that team, with a .566 slugging percentage, while leading the Bulldogs in runs scored (30), steals (10) and tying in doubles (10).
"She puts the ball in play; her 10 doubles says she can hit for power, and she runs the bases extremely well," Lamport said. "If she had the year she had last season, I'll be thrilled to death."
High standards
Graf balances her athletic exploits -- she also plays basketball and volleyball -- with a strong performance academically.
"The commitment and discipline that you learn in sports coincides with the school work," Graf said of her success.
Graf has a 4.0 grade-point average and has been named a class valedictorian. Mercyhurst and Ohio Wesleyan are among her college choices, and she hopes to play basketball.
"She's an awesome kid, an awesome student and a major leader," said Candy Fonagy, a secretary in Poland's attendance office, where Graf works as an aide. "She goes and does. She's a wonderful girl."
Team outlook
Poland looks to be one of the area's elite teams again this season. The Bulldogs have won outright or shared a conference title every year since 1987 and don't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
"It depends on how quickly we gel," Lamport said of a team that has seven seniors and four freshmen. "Defensively we can be stronger than last year, with our infield, and pitching is going to be a strong point."
Senior Mallory Conger, who has battled back from mononucleosis, will be relied upon to carry Poland from the pitcher's circle. She went 8-2 with a 1.44 earned run average last season.
She'll get support from junior Kristy Hertz and freshman Jenna Susany as the Bulldogs build for the tournament.
"We believe every year that we have a shot at being state champions," Lamport said. "If we can get to the regional, I'll take my chances against anybody in a one-game-and-out situation."
richesson@vindy.com'