Article by Brandon Halas, Staff
As this Tallahassee Community College softball season comes to an end, another begins in the Netherlands.
Ismay Poot said she looks forward to returning home.
At 20, the student athlete has had many experiences playing for not only TCC, but for her club in the Netherlands and the Dutch national youth team.
“Softball back home is tough but is fun and rewarding,” said Poot. “Twins Oosterhout was promoted to the Golden League, which is the highest league back home, so I am excited what next season will be.”
Poot is an outfielder, but also plays third base and catcher.
She began playing at the age of six and never stopped.
“I started out playing for the club Almere. I began playing cause my mom played; I started and never left. Other than school, I can say that softball is my priority,” Poot said.
When compared with the United States, softball differs in the Netherlands.
”We don’t play for a school. It gives you the chance to play with any club. Playing softball back home is to play for fun,” said Poot.
She said her hard work was worth it when she represented the Dutch national team at the U19 Women’s World Championship in Clearwater, Florida.
“Since it was my first time it was very special to me,” said Poot.
In a chance to see the world and play overseas, Poot created a YouTube video with her highlights and information. The video was soon found by TCC Softball Head Coach Patti Townsend.
“We saw a lot of potential in Ismay. Even though we never met in person, we told her about the area and what expectations would be like, ” Coach Townsend said.
Poot has been taking classes and playing for TCC during the school year the previous two seasons. Last summer she returned to national play in the U22 Women’s European Championship in Slovakia. The Dutch team received the silver medal at the event.
Through her experiences, Poot sees the differences of playing in different countries.
”It feels more free to play (in Europe). In the US, you get recruited and a scholarship pays for your school. This makes it more about money than it is playing for fun,” said Poot. “ I do like the American coaches. Most played collegian sports which helps us relate. It also makes them honest. If it good or bad, they like to see us push other teammates.”
