Being a student-athlete at a Division I school is hard. Between practices, tests, away games and homework, it’s a busy life with few moments to relax. But for freshman Alyssa Allbritten, the down time is spent playing lead guitar in her rock band GoCheeseThree. Don’t look for her album anytime soon, though, as her band is just getting started.
“I just bought Rock Band and I’m doing pretty good,” Allbritten said. “I already beat Guitar Hero III in two days.”
Though her roommates are the only spectators at her concerts, Allbritten’s performance on the diamond has the entire conference checking out her rock-star stats as her .342 batting average ranks her eleventh in the conference.
The Florida native already has her name in the N.C. State record book as the holder of the single-season doubles record after her 14th two-bagger this past Sunday propelled her past former standout Heather Gelbard. The freshman said she’s been working on her plate approach lately and, judging by the numbers, the practice is paying off.
“I’ve mainly been working on hitting,” Allbritten said. “Tuesdays and Thursdays I only have one class so I go in and hit.”
Though it may seem that her extra practice is the only factor, others say it could have a bit to do with luck.
“She brings a lot of superstitions [to the team],” head coach Lisa Navas said, and while most players have their rituals, Alyssa has several.
“Mostly when I get in the [batter’s] box,” Allbritten said. “I do a lot in the box. I kick the dirt around, I tap the plate, I wear my UnderArmor wristbands every game.”
While the lucky wristbands and rituals may help, Navas said Allbritten has a lot of skill and will only get better.
“I’m sure she’ll break many more records as she goes through [her career],” Navas said. “She’s gonna get so much better.”
Away from the diamond, teammates say she’s always positive, and has a way of cheering others up.
“She has a lot of energy and she’ll make you laugh,” roommate Bridget Desbois said. “It’s a good place to live because I’m living with a teammate who’s also a friend.”
Desbois, also a freshman, said Allbritten can be counted on both on and off the field.
“When there’s a clutch situation we all know she’ll get a hit, and whenever there’s a problem we always get through it together,” Desbois said.
Besides her offensive explosion, the catcher has also filled her role as a diamond general, learning to direct the eight position players that face her in the field each inning.
“I hope they look to me as a leader, because I’m the catcher and I see the whole field,” she said of her leadership role. “The deeper into the season, the more I’ve become vocal.”
While she’s become more vocal on the diamond, Allbritten lets her roommates handle the Rock Band vocals. She continues to favor the guitar, but is expanding her skills.
“We switch off a lot, and lately I’ve been playing the drums,” Allbritten said. “I’m slightly obsessed.”
