Shea O'Brien can reflect on how softball wasn't as easy as it presently looks for her. The senior has dealt with a series of transitions in her career since her preteen years.

"I started playing when I was 11 and it wasn't that easy for me," recalled O'Brien. "It really was a lot of work until I got comfortable with everything. But I knew I had to keep on working because I did like the sport.

"Eventually, everything worked out for me."

O'Brien acknowledged the efforts of her coach Jose Matos, father of her teammate Janae Matos, as the person who kept all part of the game in its proper perspective for her. She began playing her other sport, field hockey, at a younger age.

"He (Matos) really helped me a lot," stated O'Brien. "He taught me the game and worked with me. I also realized what a good friend Janae, and she has really helped me along the way."

When she joined the Roughies' program, O'Brien discovered how to quickly become a versatile player as she played first base as a sophomore, was the designated hitter as a junior, and has stationed herself in left field this season.

Through it all, O'Brien has had a consistent bat at the plate and a reliable glove in the field.

"She has always worked very hard since she came into the program," said head softball coach Bobby Thomas. "Shea (O'Brien) has always had a good work ethic and attitude. She has developed herself into a valuable player for us who can play many positions and that is an important aspect of our program right now."

In her latest venture, O'Brien admitted fielding ground balls in the outfield has been her biggest obstacle. However, O'Brien has overcome any trepidation and is ready to do whatever she can to help her team in its final regular season run toward the postseason. She also credited teammate Hannah Edwards as being very influential in helping her making the latest transition.

The defending Colonial League champs began the week with an overall 11-3 mark.

Yet, O'Brien and her teammates believe they all need to recharge and regain some momentum.

"We peaked too early and then we went into a little funk," she said. "We really need to start playing the game the way we are really capable of playing. We know we have a target on our backs this season, but this is a different year.

"We all need to just approach each game one at a time and not look ahead."

As for O'Brien, she plans to be looking ahead to a collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh to study psychology. She took classes in sociology and psychology during her junior year and decided it would be a good fit.

At Catasauqua, O'Brien is the vice president of the SADD Club, a member of student council, and also active with the German and Varsity C Clubs. She has also been a volunteer worker at the snack stands at the North Catty and Catty parks as well as one at the football games.

In her final weeks, O'Brien wants to make it all worthwhile.

"We want to bring it all together," said O'Brien. "Most of us have been playing together for a good number of years. That would be really special to me."

For the past few years, O'Brien certainly has made life special for those around her.