Buckfield’s Amanda Stevens began her career as a walk-on for the University of Maine softball team.
By Kevin Mills
Staff Writer

WATERVILLE – There were no assurances or guarantees for Amanda Stevens, but there was plenty of desire and an opportunity. That was all she needed.

When the former Buckfield standout packed up her glove and headed for the University of Maine, she wasn’t sure whether she’d get much chance to play or even make the team.

“I didn’t really know,” said Stevens. “I just wanted to play ball. I wanted to play at a Division I school. I was nervous. I didn’t really know any of the girls. Coach (Janet) Anderson was pretty cool. The first practice she came up to me and said “Hi, I’m Janet Anderson. Welcome to the program.” That was pretty much it. I played fall ball, and I had a blast and got to know everyone.”

It was a giant leap from playing Class D softball with the Bucks, and she had to work her way into the program gradually, but as her senior year winds down this month, she’s ultimately made her mark.

“She’s one of those kids, especially being from a small school, that doesn’t get much recognition at all,” said Maine coach Deb Smith, who was the assistant to Anderson when Stevens arrived. “She was a diamond in the rough when she came here. She’s really turned out to be a phenomenal person and an awesome player to be around.”

Buckfield Coach Dan Jack encouraged Stevens to see what she could do as a walk-on when she went to Orono. Stevens was convinced she’d regret not giving it a shot. She was a relatively unknown and a longshot compared to players who played at higher levels in high school. But she brought an athletic ability and a determination that helped her succeed.

“I don’t think coach Anderson had seen her play,” said Smith. “We knew she was coming up, but we knew absolutely nothing about her.

“She didn’t say two words her freshman year. You were lucky if you got a complete sentence out of her. Freshman year, she didn’t play much. It basically was a development year for her.”

They worked on her shyness and the mechanics of her swing. She was used as a baserunner and played in just eight games her first year.

“I didn’t see a lot of playing time, but from what I saw from my teammates, the pitching was a lot faster, a lot more movement,” said Stevens, who is a kinesiology and physical education major and hopes to work as a strength and conditioning coach. “I struggled hitting all four years and that hasn’t gotten any better.”

She didn’t even try to earn a job at catcher, where she played her final two years at Buckfield. By her sophomore season, she secured a spot in the outfield and then gradually worked in time behind the plate.

“Sophomore year, coach Smith gave me a shot, and I started at center, and I felt real comfortable,” said Stevens, who played outfield her first two years with the Bucks.

After just nine at bats her first year, she had 87 as a sophomore and was third on the team in stolen bases.

“Each year she’s gotten a little bit better as her confidence has grown,” said Smith. “She’s definitely kind of come into her own.”

As a junior she saw action in 51 of the team’s 53 games, starting 44. She led the team with eight stolen bases and was fourth in runs scored with 14. Last season, she chose to take the year off and return for a final season this year. It is a move that has worked well for both Stevens and the Black Bears.

“She promised me she would come back for her senior year,” said Smith. “She’s such a great kid and was a great addition to the team. This year she’s absolutely come out of her shell. She’s been a terrific leader for us. She does a nice job. She’s not a real vocal kid on the field, but she’s very diplomatic, and she takes care of things on the team that need to be taken care of. She’s definitely a mature aspect of the team.”

This season Stevens has lifted her batting average to an all-time high of .286, third on the team after 39 games. In her previous four years, she hadn’t hit higher than .184. She ranks third with six stolen bases and has started in 19 games, playing in 27 total.

“It was a fresh start for me,” said Stevens, who has helped anchor the catching duties this year with a young pitching staff. “It kind of renewed my excitement for the game.”

She’s just one of two seniors on the Black Bears and her experience has proven vital while the youthful enthusiasm of this year’s group has made it the most enjoyable season for Stevens.

“This team I came back to is a lot different,” she said, after Maine’s 6-0 win over Colby last Wednesday. “I came in with eight freshmen. Eight out of the nine starters my junior year were the same girls I came in with. So when I came in this year, there were eight new freshmen, and I didn’t really know the sophomores. So it really felt like a brand new team.”

It’s made for a fun environment and one that Stevens has thrived in. Her hard work and leadership has helped set a tone for a young team and proven just what a determined effort can produce.

“She’s worked incredibly hard,” said Smith. “She doesn’t have the stats to show it but she’s been one of our hardest workers. She doesn’t accept anything less than the best from herself. She expects a lot from herself, and when she’s not up to par, she’ll admit it. Throughout the five years, I’ve never had to get on her about working hard. She actually goes above and beyond.”

It has proven to be a gamble that has paid off well for Stevens and the Black Bears.

“Not only has it been softball, I love to play the game itself, but also the experiences I’ve had with people. It’s been unbelievable,” said Stevens. “I wouldn’t trade any of it.”

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