Recent athletes who have departed from the Virginia athletic department have been making a splash all over the country. Most notably, Ryan Zimmerman became a starter this season for the Washington Nationals and Matt Schaub continues to receive exposure playing for the Atlanta Falcons. This spring, D'Brickashaw Ferguson will enter the group as a high draft pick in the NFL.
The Cavaliers' most recent addition to this list is a little less recognizable than the others, but just as worthy.
For almost four seasons, senior shortstop Sara Larquier has headlined the Virginia softball team and established herself as one of the best softball players to come through Charlottesville.
Feb. 15, Larquier was selected by the Akron Racers in the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch Senior draft. Selected in the second round, Larquier was the 15th overall pick.
"She has the whole package -- hitting, defense, mental game, physical strength," teammate Erin Greer said. "On top of that she's probably the most hardworking player we've ever had. She's out there after she's hit five home runs in batting practice, still taking swings when the rest of us are done."
Larquier's offense has been superior throughout her entire career at the University. During her freshman year, she posted a .350 batting average and 12 home runs. In her next two seasons, her batting average only improved, topping out at .364 her sophomore year when she was named an All-American.
Last year, Larquier posted a .354 average and was named 2005 ACC Player of the Year.
This season, Larquier has piled up both school and conference records. She claimed the ACC RBI record, the Virginia total base record and Virginia home run record. Her influence on the team has been enormous.
"It's amazing to me how determined she is to make herself the best player she can be instead of being content with being an All-American," Greer said. She always says "'I can be better than I am. I want to improve on last season.'"
For the rest of this season, Larquier is simply focused on getting the Cavaliers as far as possible. When she gets to the next level, she'll focus on success there.
"I'm not worrying about the future," Larquier said. "You just have to take it day by day, game by game. My priority lies with the team right now."
Off the field, the Cavaliers look to her as a leader. Larquier upholds values and sets a standard for the whole team.
"She sacrifices herself for everyone around her. It's why she's such an awesome person," Greer said.
Larquier simply sees this role as part of her responsibility as a captain.
"I think [the captains and I] set the precedent," Larquier said. The team "looks to see what we're doing off the field to make sure we're taking care of ourselves and taking care of classes."
With her final season winding down, Larquier is more than pleased with her time at the University. Next season the team will lose one of their most prolific hitters and inspirational players.
"I know at the conclusion of my college chapter in life, I'm going to be walking down that Lawn knowing this is everything I expected college to be and more," Larquier said. "I've been proud and grateful to be a Wahoo."
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