After three years of moving between positions, Mary Dombrowski may have finally found a niche.

Expected to be a staple in the middle of the outfield this season, Dombrowski will bring experience and stability to an outfield with freshman Maddie Doane in right field and a revolving door of players in left.

“We want her in center, but Mary can play anywhere,” said head coach Leigh Ross. “She’s an invaluable player to have.”

Dombrowski will patrol center field this weekend as Syracuse (3-2) plays five games in the Jacksonville University Tournament in Jacksonville, Florida. After playing as a right fielder last year, Dombrowski’s position switch isn’t the first time she’s made a change for the Orange.

Originally recruited by SU as a shortstop, she made the progression from middle infield to third base and then primarily played the outfield last season as a junior. Her versatility has helped the Orange many times over the years, playing every position besides pitcher and catcher, Ross said.

“My athleticism and size make me flexible about where I can play,” Dombrowski said. “… I’m a utility player and I love it.”

With the arrival of Doane, a natural right fielder, Ross asked Dombrowski to move again.

Doane described Dombrowski’s speed as crucial, so even when she fails to get a good read on a fly ball, she’s still able to track it down. She also takes charge of her fellow outfielders with communication and confidence, minimizing mistakes.

To make the transition from an infielder to a full-time outfielder last season, she worked on improving her arm strength to make the longer throw. By playing long toss and gradually increasing the distance to her target, Dombrowski ensured that her arm was ready for the outfield.

“Last year, we moved her to the outfield and that’s been the best thing for her,” Ross said. “She’s thrived.”

This season, Dombrowski’s arm is stronger than ever, she said, and she is able to make the long throws from all over the outfield more easily. Her reads and jumps on fly balls are what make the senior captain so effective in the outfield, Ross said.

Focusing on pitching as a young girl, that passion faded and she worked to become a more well-rounded player. Dombrowski transitioned to shortstop with the help of her dad, a switch that helped her immensely.

Dombrowski said that her shortstop experience from high school helps her in center field today. The position taught her to be athletic, aware and take on a sense of leadership among her teammates.

“The shortstop, catcher and center fielder are the positions that require the most leadership and communication on the field,” Dombrowski said. “I’ve kind of been able to take that shortstop mentality into the outfield.”

The transition between right field and center field isn’t too much different, but it has taken small adjustments, Dombrowski said.

Assistant coach Matt Nandin will communicate signs on where the outfielders should be positioned and where to go with the ball before each pitch to the senior. Dombrowski, in turn, communicates that sign to her fellow outfielders.

Doane looks up to Dombrowski’s leadership, experience and poise in the outfield. Even though a freshman forced her to move positions once again, Dombrowski’s taken it in stride, just like she has before.

“She’s an example of doing whatever it takes for the team to win,” Doane said. “To be so versatile, skilled and unselfish isn’t something you come across every day.”

Published on February 12, 2015 at 12:08 am

Contact Liam: lpsull01@syr.edu