The Sierra Era: Romero leaves lasting legacy

The title seems very premature at first, until the end where Christner and a couple other players are quoted about the sheer volume of leadership Romero has brought to the team in her four years at Michigan, and that her legacy will be the impact she's had on the program independant of statistics and wins.

The author makes the obvious and immediate comparison of Romero to Hutch, and while that's the clearest there are other M connections just as easily made. Personally I got Harbaugh for the player/coach relationship and single minded intensity, Denard for the snowball fights on visits and the majority of us for M love at first sight from an early age.

Definitely worth a read, even if there's way too much unfinished business for a retrospective yet.

lol:

Asked about her first impressions of Romero, Falk grins and laughs before giving her answer — an answer that suggests Romero and Hutchins possess the same type of on-the-field presence.

“I was intimidated — hands-down intimidated,” Falk recalls. “She has a very fierce look on her face when she plays, and I was like, ‘Oh, this girl is going to be terrifying.’ ”

Just before Falk finishes, the door opens, and Romero herself walks in. She’s followed by a procession of several teammates, who file in and sit down next to Falk. Romero, though, heads to the side, out of view. As Falk talks about Romero, about her leadership, batting advice and the impromptu dance sessions the two occasionally hold during batting practice, the senior shortstop is within earshot.

When Falk finishes talking, the attention turns to Romero.

At first glance, it’s not clear what had Falk so intimidated. Romero is relatively small in stature, standing at 5-foot-5, and her facial expression is neutral.

She is asked about her mindset going into the fourth at-bat of a recent game against Florida State, after she had struck out three consecutive times, and the room falls silent. Intentional or not, the intimidation Falk recalled is apparent now. The calm vibe of the room is gone, and Romero now stares straight ahead.

“Swing the bat.”

The room remains silent for a couple seconds. Her teammates glance at her, and then break out into laughter.

Sierra Romero is here, and you’ve just been introduced.

https://www.michigandaily.com/section/softball/sierra-romero-michigan-softball-legacy-carol-hutchins