Serena D’Amico has been around the game of softball for as long as she can remember.

After first picking up a ball at five years old, she quickly developed a love for the sport, often asking her dad to take her to the park before or after school just to get more reps.

Over time, that passion helped shape her into a standout pitcher who can also contribute at first base and in the outfield.

But what makes Serena’s story unique isn’t just her versatility — it’s how often she has thrived while competing against athletes older than her.

Her rise began when she joined the UTM 2K7 Tier 1 program in the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario, Canada at just 15 years old, becoming the youngest player on a team filled with athletes two years her senior.

The challenge only pushed her further, and she quickly proved she belonged.

Serena went on to represent Ontario at Nationals for three consecutive years, earning a Bronze medal before being selected to Team Ontario for the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

In St. John’s, Newfoundland, she helped the province capture Silver while representing the Niagara Region as the only athlete from the area on the roster.

Those performances opened the door to the international stage.

After earning an opportunity with Team Canada at the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in Oklahoma City, Serena’s rise continued when a visit to the University of Detroit Mercy resulted in Head Coach Dan Vitale offering her a scholarship on the spot — the next chapter for one of Ontario’s rising softball talents!

Line Drive’s Tyler Johnstone recently caught up with the talented athlete to learn more about her impressive journey and what lies ahead…

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You started playing softball when you were five years old. When you think back to those early days, what are your first memories of the game and when did you realize it might become something more than just a hobby?

Growing up, I tried a lot of different sports, but softball was the one that always stuck with me.

Some of my earliest memories are just being at the field with my teammates and family.

Once I started pitching, the game became even more exciting, and it felt different from anything else I had played. I would beg my dad to take me to the park before school, after school, or anytime I had free time just so I could practice.

That’s when I realized I wasn’t just playing softball as another activity. I had truly fallen in love with the game, and I knew it was something I wanted to keep doing for a long time.

You’ve often played on teams with athletes two or even three years older than you. How did being the youngest player in the room shape your confidence and mindset as an athlete?

Being the youngest player on teams with girls older than me was definitely challenging, but it pushed me to prove myself.

At first it was intimidating because they had more experience, but that only motivated me to work harder and become the best athlete I could be. I tried to use every practice and every game as a chance to show my effort and determination.

Over time my confidence grew, and now I don’t really think about who I’m playing with or how old they are. I just focus on my game and pushing myself to improve no matter the competition.

Every athlete has someone who believed in them early. Who were the people that pushed you the most in your development and what did they see in you before you saw it in yourself?

The people who pushed me the most were definitely my parents. They showed up for every practice, game, and tournament, driving and flying all over Canada and the United States to support me.

Just having them there and never saying no when I asked to practice made such a big difference.

Even though my dad might not officially be my coach anymore, he’s really been my lifelong coach and has helped me improve every single day. They’re always the first to wish me good luck before a game and the first to give me a hug after it’s over.

Pitching can be one of the most mentally demanding positions in sports. What goes through your mind when you step into the circle, especially in big moments?

When I step into the circle, I try to block everything else out. Sometimes I can’t even hear my teammates cheering because I’m so focused.

I concentrate on controlling what I can, like my mechanics, my grip, and my plan for the next pitch. I take everything one pitch at a time and try not to think about the pressure.

I remind myself that I’ve put in the work and that I’m prepared. Staying in that mindset helps me stay confident and perform my best, even in big moments.

You’ve had opportunities to represent Ontario and even Canada on major stages. When you put on that jersey, what emotions or sense of responsibility do you feel?

Putting on the Ontario or Canada jersey is an incredible feeling!

In that moment it feels like everything I’ve worked for is right there with me. I feel proud to represent where I come from and all the teams and coaches who helped me get there.

At the same time, I feel a responsibility to give my best and honor the jersey. Wearing it reminds me of all the hours of practice and hard work, and it motivates me to push myself even harder every time I step on the field.

Competing internationally against teams like the United States exposes you to a completely different level of play. What was the biggest thing you learned about yourself during those experiences?

The biggest thing I learned is that I’m capable of competing with some of the best players in the world. Being on that stage showed me that I can handle pressure, rise to challenges, and push myself beyond my limits.

Playing for Team Canada also made me realize that sometimes I don’t give myself enough credit for what I’m capable of when I give it everything I have.

Your journey has taken you to different provinces, countries, and major tournaments. What has been the most memorable moment so far — the one that still gives you chills when you think about it?

One of the most memorable moments for me was playing against Team USA under the lights. Just being on that field and competing against some of the best athletes in the world was an incredible experience.

The atmosphere was amazing and everything just felt bigger in that moment.

I remember getting on base and being able to contribute to my team in that game, which made it even more special. It’s something I’ll always remember, and it still gives me chills when I think about it.

Behind every athlete’s success are sacrifices that people don’t always see. What are some of the harder parts of chasing this level of softball that most people might not realize?

Chasing this level of softball means missing out on a lot of things people my age get to do. There are times when my friends are hanging out or going to events, and I’m at practice, training, or traveling for tournaments.

It can be tough knowing you’re not always there for those moments. But it’s part of the sacrifices that come with pursuing something you care about.

At the end of the day, softball means so much to me that those sacrifices are worth it for the opportunities and experiences the game has given me.

How has balancing school, training, travel, and everyday life shaped you as a person outside of softball?

Balancing school, training, travel, and everyday life has helped shape me a lot outside of softball. It’s taught me how to manage my time and stay organized so I can handle everything I have going on.

It’s also helped me build discipline and maintain a healthy routine with school, training, and rest.

Overall, it’s made me a more responsible and well-rounded person both on and off the field.

When things aren’t going well — a tough outing in the circle or a difficult stretch during the season — what helps you reset and move forward?

When things aren’t going well, I try to focus on taking it one pitch or one game at a time.

I don’t like to dwell on mistakes, and instead I think about what I can do next to improve. Sometimes resetting means going back to the basics and focusing on my mechanics.

I also remind myself why I love the game. The routines and habits I’ve built through practice help me stay calm and refocus so I can keep moving forward.

What do you love most about softball that keeps you motivated through all the practices, travel, and pressure?

What I love most about softball is that it’s both an individual sport and a team sport at the same time.

I love the challenge of pushing myself to improve and taking responsibility for my own performance, but I also love being part of a team and working toward a common goal together.

That balance is what keeps me motivated through all the practices, travel, and pressure, because every moment on the field is another opportunity to grow and compete.

What is something about you that most people wouldn’t know when they first meet you at the ballpark?

Most people probably wouldn’t know how much I focus on the mental side of the game. Even when I seem calm on the field, I’m always thinking about the next pitch and how to stay in control of the moment.

I visualize situations, think about how I’ll respond to tough moments, and try to stay one step ahead mentally. It’s something I do quietly, but it helps me stay confident and perform my best.

Looking back, is there a moment in your journey where everything seemed to accelerate — when you realized doors were starting to open at the provincial, national, or collegiate level?

Looking back, the entire year of 2025 felt like everything started to accelerate for me.

I made my verbal commitment and signed, served as a junior instructor for Northern Force during the winter, and had the opportunity to play for both Team Ontario and Team Canada.

I also traveled more than I ever had before, which made the experience even more exciting. That was the year I really felt like all the hard work was opening doors at the provincial, national, and collegiate levels.

Visiting a college campus and receiving a scholarship offer on the spot is a moment many athletes dream about. What did that experience feel like for you in that moment?

Visiting the college campus and receiving a scholarship offer on the spot was honestly overwhelming in the best way.

I felt a mix of excitement, pride, and disbelief all at once.

In that moment I thought about every early morning, every practice, and every sacrifice that helped get me there. It made me feel incredibly grateful and even more motivated to keep pushing myself.

It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

When younger athletes from the Niagara Region look at your path, what message would you want them to take away from your journey?

If younger athletes from the Niagara Region look at my path, I want them to know that even though there might not always be a lot of softball opportunities locally, it’s still possible to reach high levels if you stay committed.

Hard work, dedication, and a love for the game can take you a long way, no matter where you come from.

Your environment doesn’t define your potential — what really matters is the effort you’re willing to put in.