Jeric’s Lackawanna Sports — 2003 Interview of the Year
Originally published May 23, 2003
Interview by Jeric Yurkanin
Before graduating from Valley View in 2003, Larissa Cleary had already built an impressive athletic résumé.
She played softball, competed on the swim team, cheered during football season and worked out whenever she had the opportunity. On the softball field, Cleary’s competitive personality, aggressive style and leadership helped the Cougars continue a championship tradition.
Before leaving for Penn State University Park, Cleary discussed the most unforgettable loss of her career, Valley View’s rivalry with Lakeland, the responsibility of being a senior captain and what separates a talented player from a truly great athlete.
Name: Larissa Cleary
High School: Valley View
Graduation Year: 2003
Hobbies: Softball, swimming, football cheerleading, working out and spending time with friends
Future Plans: Attend Penn State University Park. She was undecided about her major but was considering forensic pathology. She was also considering trying to continue playing a sport in college.
1. Throughout an athlete’s career, there is usually at least one game that will never be forgotten. Which game was that for you?
Larissa Cleary: My most memorable softball game was last year’s District 2 semifinal against Nanticoke. We lost 1–0 after a controversial call involving a foul ball. The home-plate umpire and field umpire disagreed on the call.
2. What first interested you in playing softball?
Cleary: I’ve been playing softball since I was 9 years old in the Valley area. My dad always tried to keep me active, and I loved the sport.
3. Lakeland defeated Valley View, 6–1, early in the season. It looked like Lakeland might go undefeated until you played again and Valley View won, 6–0. You also scored two runs in the second game. What motivated you that day?
Cleary: The first time we played Lakeland was our first regular-season game. We entered the season after losing six starters, so we were unsure of ourselves. Our errors were costly.
The second time around, that first loss really motivated all of us. We were fired up and wanted to gain an early lead.
I scored the first run after being walked. Once that happened, I knew that if we continued playing strong defense, we could win.
4. You came up with several important runs and hits that helped Valley View build an 11–2 record. The previous season, Valley View went undefeated behind players such as pitcher Ashley Williams and you. What did it mean to take on a leadership role this year?
Cleary: This year, being a senior and a captain with Ashley, we really had to hold the team together and demonstrate leadership.
I just go onto the field and play as hard as I can. I’m a very competitive and aggressive person during games, and that motivates me to do what I’m capable of doing.
My teammates are always there cheering me on. When we stick together and everyone gets fired up, we can be unstoppable.
5. You competed against many talented players throughout your career. Which player impressed you the most?
Cleary: Last summer, I played for the 18-and-over Northeast Stars. I faced many talented pitchers during tournaments in Bristol, at Penn State and at other locations.
Locally, Mary Thomas has a lot of talent. For only being a sophomore, she has tremendous speed on her fastball, and she is a very aggressive pitcher.
I love facing faster pitchers, so I look forward to playing against her and her team. The rivalry also makes it exciting.
6. During that era, there was considerable debate surrounding athletes transferring to private schools—especially when successful athletic programs won championships. What are your thoughts on students changing schools partly to play a sport?
Cleary: To be honest, I don’t think it is right if someone transfers only to play a sport. However, if the student goes there for academics or another reason, I don’t see it as a big deal.
During my freshman year, I considered transferring for swimming to either Scranton Prep or Bishop Hoban because of their great swimming programs. But I decided there was more to high school than swimming.
Our softball team won the 2000 state championship with girls from Jessup, Peckville and Archbald. If you have talent, coaching and dedication on your team, you don’t need to recruit the so-called “best” players from around the area.
7. You had a great softball career at Valley View. Do you plan to play in college?
Cleary: I’m going to Penn State and might attempt to make the team as a walk-on. However, I’m still unsure whether I want to pursue a Division I sport in college.
8. Who is the person you admire most?
Cleary: The person I admire most would probably be Brett Favre. I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan.
I know he has experienced hardships in his life, but he still managed to overcome them and become one of the NFL’s all-time great quarterbacks.
Another person I admire is Gerry McNamara. I think he is an awesome athlete, and I really look up to him.
9. In your own words, what makes someone a good athlete?
Cleary: A good athlete is someone who thrives on competition. They must be dedicated.
You can possess all the talent in the world, but if you don’t work hard and constantly strive to improve, that talent is being wasted.
A great athlete must love sports—and love the game.
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