All-star catcher a co-MVP in TVL

During the last four years, Priya Bedard competed admirably in soccer and softball at Medway High where she played two key positions, goalie and catcher.

What made her so effective at both positions was her consistency - she was consistently good.

Now, the 18-year-old is focused on some intense summer training as she prepares for college life at the University of Hartford where she’ll be competing for the catching job. 

Chris Reding, who has coached Bedard for the last four years, firmly believes “she has a great opportunity to play as a college freshman.’’ And he has plenty of reasons for his optimism, including: she is passionate about playing a demanding position; her softball statistics and awards are impressive; she’s a team-first competitor; and she’s a leader on and off the field.

“I started as a freshman at shortstop but was moved to catcher for my last three years at Medway,’’ Bedard noted. “A catcher is often viewed as a coach on the field. There’s pressure catching but I like helping my teammates control their emotions and I also like maintaining control of the field.’’

Reding likes her take-charge style. “She knows how to calm down a nervous pitcher,’’ he noted.

Bedard’s senior-year statistics are a testament to her ability and why she was selected for a plethora of honors. They included a .414 batting average, 24 hits, 2 home runs, 19 RBIs, 4 doubles and 3 triples.

The 5-foot-5 Bedard was a three-time Tri Valley League all-star and was co-MVP in the league’s Small Division. She was also a Boston Herald and Boston Globe all-star selection. 

As far as her style and approach go, her goals were all about her team’s welfare. Medway was eliminated in the state tourney in the second round. Her goals for her final softball season were to win the Small Division, qualify for the tourney, and get past the second round. One out of three was the outcome. 

Norton won the Small Division title, and Dighton-Rehoboth ousted Medway in the tourney’s second round after the Mustangs edged Cardinal Spellman, 5-4, in the opener.

“It’s unfortunate we didn’t get past the second round,’’ Bedard said. “But we battled to the end, maintained our energy, and did our best.’’

Bedard’s leadership, however, was dynamic. She shined brightly because she embraced any and all responsibilities. She was a two-time captain in softball and when Medway’s Youth Softball League and her club team needed help, she assisted at clinics. She also participated in the Relay for Life, a fundraiser at Medway High for cancer research.

“Priya leads by example on and off the field,’’ Reding offered. “She communicates well, she’s supportive and very positive. What also makes her so valuable are her high softball  IQ, her coachable nature, and her work ethic.’’

The University of Hartford, which three years ago competed in Division 1, is now in Division 3. In Bedard, they not only have a capable catching prospect, but also an honor student. She compiled a 3.6 GPA.

“I chose Hartford because of its nursing program,’’ she said. “I’ll major in nursing in a top-notch program that has amazing facilities. The athletic competition will be strong, the coaches are excellent, and the players seem like they’ll be quality teammates.’’

Bedard is acutely aware that high-level high-school athletes don’t always measure up in college. She’s working diligently this summer to make her transition as smooth as possible.

“I’m working on my strength and conditioning and making sure I strengthen my throwing arm,’’ she said. “I’m also making sure I can handle the faster pace of college ball. Another key is to fine-tune my skills and I’m willing to learn whatever is needed.’’

 Bedard is always ready to deflect praise by recognizing others, like her coach and teammates.

“Coach Reding is an effective motivator and he prepared us well for key games,’’ she emphasized. “His strategy and game plans are solid. Two teammates who’ve been great contributors were our other captains, Katie Anderson (left field) and Olivia Klaus (first base). Both seniors this past season, they’re excellent leaders who worked hard in practice, were solid hitters and excelled at their positions.’’

Bedard’s best game and top thrill in softball are telling. They reveal her clutch-time ability and her team-first attributes.

“When I was a freshman, we played Norton and had not beaten them in five years,’’ Bedard recalled. “After trailing by three runs early, I later got a triple and drove in the winning run in a 12-11 victory. That was a memorable game. 

“My top thrill in softball was being selected TVL co-MVP as a junior. That award wasn’t all about statistics. It also recognizes those selected as team players and quality leaders. It’s also about promoting team chemistry and being supportive.’’

Calling her parents (Greg and Rita) role models for their support and encouragement, Bedard was fortunate to have her father serve as an assistant to Reding. “He coached me at times during my six years in club softball,’’ she said. “It was a good dynamic.’’

Bedard has a twin brother (Jason) and they mirrored each other in their athletic venues. Like Priya, he played two sports, ice hockey and baseball. They both were catchers and they both wore No. 14, and both players competed in the spring tourneys and their teams both lost in the second round. Jason will play club hockey in college at Rutgers. 

“Jason and I chose to wear 14 because that’s the number our father wore when he played baseball,’’ Bedard noted. 

Relying on a competitive philosophy of winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, Bedard says she’s learned some valuable life lessons from sports. “I’ve learned how to overcome adversity and to be resilient,’’ she said. “Athletics also teach how to be leaders and good teammates and how to accept responsibility and be accountable.’’

A native of Boca Raton, Florida, Bedard also lived briefly in Green Bay before arriving in Medway at age three. She definitely found her niche at Medway High.

Bedard’s college future should be filled with excitement and achievement. “I’m excited about the future,’’ she said. “But I’ll miss the great spirit at Medway High, and I’ll also miss my teammates, classmates and teachers.’’

Priya Bedard personified desire, dedication and devotion — in the classroom and in her athletic venues. There were no state championships but, more importantly, she leaves a rich legacy for future Mustang athletes to emulate.