Athlete of the Week: Elena Friedman, Montverde Academy softball

Looking at rising junior softball player Elena Friedman’s résumé — two-time regional champion, All-State selection, state champion, the list goes on — you’d never guess the lifelong Winter Garden resident had knee surgery that threatened to end her athletic career before it began. 

As an eighth-grader at Foundation Academy, Friedman broke onto the scene and led the Lions with a .570 on-base percentage and scored 31 runs. But after missing her freshman season because of rehabilitation from surgery, she transferred to Montverde Academy and helped MVA win states this past season.

The Basics

Age: 16

Sport: Softball

Grade: Junior

School: Montverde Academy

Q&A

How did it feel to win a state championship?

Honestly, it felt unreal. Winning a state championship is something every athlete dreams about, so when your time comes, it is an overwhelming experience.

How did it feel to get back on the field for the first time after your injury?

Getting back on the field was equally as amazing as it was terrifying. Playing softball again was something I waited almost a year to do, so seeing my hard work pay off was rewarding. I was told I may never run again, so the fact that I am fully back to playing sports is astounding. In my first game back, I got into a little collision at first base. While I was scared, I think both my team and our opponents were freaking out even more, because they all knew what I had gone through. You could quite literally hear a pin drop. However, I believe I needed that, because after getting up I realized I really am OK now, and I don’t have to worry.

What did you miss most about softball while rehabbing?

I missed being out there with my girls. While my support system was amazing, it’ll never come close to actually being out in the action. It’s extremely difficult to sit and watch others doing what occupied your life for the previous seven years, knowing the odds are against you joining them back out on the clay.

What is your favorite non-sports hobby?

Baking. I love being able to take so many random ingredients and making them into delicious treats. 

What is your favorite subject in school?

Definitely science. It’s so interesting to me learning about the meticulous inner-workings of God’s creations. I plan to major in pre-med and go on to become a pediatric oncologist or an orthopedic surgeon.

What is your favorite movie?

110% my favorite movie is “Top Gun.” It’s definitely my comfort movie, plus who doesn’t love young Tom Cruise?

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

I would have dinner with my grandpa. He passed away a few years ago, and I would give anything to tell him about how much I’ve grown. He used to come to all my games and made sure I knew how proud he was — even if I had a horrible game. I know he is looking down on me from heaven with a huge smile.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

The 1950s, because of the movie “Grease.” (It) looked so carefree and fun. People were so close and not constantly buried in their phones.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that God has a reason for everything. As I’ve gotten older, some of these “reasons” have started playing themselves out, and I am very grateful for them. It is hard to understand in the moment but lean on God and He will clear your paths.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?

I would go to Costa Rica, the Amalfi Coast and Cleveland, South Carolina. I am obsessed with sloths, so getting to see them in the wild in Costa Rica would be a dream come true. The Amalfi Coast speaks for itself with crystal-clear waters, delicious cuisine and its picturesque landscape. In Cleveland, South Carolina, there is a place called Pretty Place Chapel that overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains. Typically, you go for sunrise and watch the array of colors shine behind the cross. It has been on my bucket list for years.

What is your most controversial food take?

This is extremely controversial, but ketchup on green beans. I can’t explain why, but it’s so good. Don’t knock it until you try it.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

After my controversial food take, I don’t think I can judge anyone, so whatever floats your boat.