Freshman Focus: Chelsea Canara

Age is nothing but a number.

VSU Athletics

This expression is also the mantra of newcomer Chelsea Canara.

The freshman phenom went hitless in her first collegiate doubleheader this past weekend in Pensacola, yet assisted her team by driving in four runs as the Blazers split against Midwestern State.

In the following doubleheader against Southern Arkansas, Canara’s first hit was a RBI double in the second inning of game one.

Her next at-bat was a base-clearing grand slam that pushed the Blazers ahead to seal the win.

The Milton,Ga. native batted .750 and nine RBIs last weekend–earning her Gulf South Conference Player of the Week honors–in just her first four collegiate games.

“She’s very calm out there,” head coach Thomas Macera said. “That’s the thing−she’s very mature for her age. Second is a very tough position to play and she just does a very good job at it.”

Canara’s poise is credited to growing up with her two older siblings, who are former softball players.

“I take after them,” Canara said. “I just try to relax and forget the nerves. I’ve just always been like that.”

The veterans on the team have been helpful since Canara took the position during the unofficial fall season, and as a result, she is quickly mastering the learning curve.

Canara went 3-7 with two RBIs in her first home appearance, sweeping Flagler in a doubleheader Feb. 4.

The GSC preseason top newcomer recipient is excited to compete against some of the nation’s best this weekend in Clearwater, Fla.

So far, so good for VSU’s new second basemen.

“She’s done a remarkable job,” Macera said. “She’s not only hitting the ball very well, she’s playing really good at second base. Last year Kiley [Rusen] came in and did well. The year before, [Courtney] Albritton came in and did really well. That’s all you can hope for when you bring in some of these freshmen…and it’s tough because it’s very competitive.”