Over the years, Northampton’s Ro Echevarria has been recognized on the softball fields. She will continue her career next season at Elizabethtown College.

However, in recent years, Echevarria also had made her impact on the basketball court.

A senior, Echevarria has been instrumental for the Konkrete. Head coach Jeff Jacksits has been impressed on how Echevarria has put her teammates ahead of her personal gain, and also her level of enthusiasm and dedication.

“Ro is the best example of a person who is playing for her teammates,” stressed Jacksits. “She does the little things to help the team to be successful.

“Her competitive spirit transcends to her teammates and makes them all give 100 percent.”

Echevarria admits that she didn’t get an early start at the sport.

“I started playing basketball actually later that I wish, as I started in third grade,” reflected Echevarria. “I started playing because my parents wanted me to try a different sport.”

Heading into her final season, Echevarria decided to dedicate herself in the offseason. She also recognized her role on the team.

“Going into this year, I really wanted to utilize our offseason workouts, trying to attend as many as I could,” said Echevarria.” I feel like my role on this team is definitely being a teammate with energy. I constantly try to stay motivated and make it enjoyable for everyone.”

Her basketball has worked in unison with her softball career.

“Basketball plays a huge role in softball,’ she said. “I came back feeling faster and more agile. It also helps me with my communication and leadership.

“Coach Jacksits encourages all of his players to play other sports, which I agree with as it helps me personally.”

Through it all, her father Nestor has been a steady presence.

My biggest influence for basketball is definitely my dad,” added Echevarria. “No matter what, he always helps me improve my game.

Echevarria sees an uptick in team unity. She also believes her team can make an impact in the second half of the season.

“Our team chemistry is coming along very well as we all know we’re a small group,” she offered. “I think that allows our chemistry to grow stronger and quicker than other teams.

“We feel like it is coming together for us.”