Athlete Profile: Jasmin Duranceau

The Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School softball team is putting together a strong season this spring, with senior Jasmin Duranceau serving as the team’s primary pitcher.

Duranceau helped the team to a 5-4 victory over Central Wisconsin Conference-East Division foe Weyauwega-Fremont on May 14. She struck out four batters and didn’t walk any in a complete game effort.

Duranceau did it all for the Chargers in their 1-0 CWC-East win over Bonduel on May 11. She pitched all seven innings, striking out four batters while allowing just three hits. Duranceau also drove in the team’s only run.

Duranceau allowed just three hits while striking out two batters in Witt-Birn’s 16-1 win over Menominee Indian in three innings on May 10.

Duranceau pitched all five innings in the team’s 15-5 victory over Nekoosa on May 7, stranding several runners on base. The senior overcame seven team errors and earned the win in the circle in a 15-11 victory over Iola-Scandinavia on May 6. Only four runs she allowed that game were earned.

In the team’s first win of the season, April 30 against Weyauwega-Fremont, she struck out three batters. She also posted a pair of hits at the plate.

Q: When did your interest in softball begin?

A: I started playing T-ball and little league. Then my parents (Jennifer and Craig) started the girls softball youth league when I was 9 years old, and my dad coached us for a few years. So you can say I always liked the game.

Q: What is your favorite part about the softball season?

A: Being back with the team and spending time with all the girls who I don’t always see during school or have classes with.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Wittenberg-Birnamwood softball team?

A: Getting my first varsity pitching start during my sophomore year and winning.

Q: Do you have any individual goals set for your senior season?

A: After being out a season last year, I wanted to be able to pitch as many games/innings as I could. Also, to step up and be a better leader and captain.

Q: The team has put together a strong season so far. What’s been the key to the success so far?

A: Teamwork and how close we are. We work well together, and our defense has been strong.

Q: You serve as the team’s primary pitcher this season. How do you take care of your arm to cover so many innings for your team?

A: I worked two times per week most of the offseason to get my arm ready to handle a lot of pitches for multiple games a week.

Q: Being a senior, and with this season going later into summer than usual, how do you plan to stay engaged and focused as the season winds down and post season nears?

A: Don’t let up, keep working hard and practicing harder. This is our last year to go as far as we can.

Q: Do you have any rituals you go through before a game starts?

A: Emma (Herb) puts eye black on everyone and always has encouraging words for the team to pump us up before the game.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV Show – “Greys Anatomy.” Movie – “Twilight” and “Hunger Games.” Musical artist – a lot of country artists, like Miranda Lambert.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I have two older brothers in the military. Jared is in the Marine Corps and Dominic is in the Air Force.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: Everything happens for a reason, or have fun and enjoy the game.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school:

A: Attend UW-Stevens Point for nursing and get my bachelor’s degree, then work in a neonatal unit.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Jasmin Duranceau

Sport: Softball

Position: Pitcher

School: Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School

Year: Senior