Amber Behr (2021 SS/C) Oak Creek HS & Wisconsin Knights
Amber made her RISE debut at the Wisconsin Preseason Preview Showcase on March 9th, 2019. At that time, Amber showed she was a fundamentally sound player with the ability to repeat at the plate and in the field. Her lean quick twitch frame showed for a high upside upon physical maturity.
In March 2020, Amber returned to the RISE-Wisconsin Preseason Preview at Stiks Academy in Waukesha, WI to improve her measurable stats and to get a 2nd skills video created…and improve her measurable stats she did! In a years time, Amber added some height and strength to her project-able/ lean frame. Immediately, Amber began to shine as she showcased her plus speed on the base paths running a home to 1st time of 2.91 (Top Performer) and a home to home time of 12.15. In the box, Amber is a triple threat player with an explosive swing. As a LHH, Amber drives the ball to all fields, hits with power, and uses her speed to slap. Amber’s exit velocity was recorded at 70mph (Top Performer). In the field, Amber is an energetic player with active feet and quick hands. A gritty defender, Ambers ¾ arm slot allow for throws to be in-line and on target. Amber measured an infield velocity at 57mph, and a pop-time at 1.93/ 53mph (Top Performer). With still room to grow in her 5’7″ 135lb frame, Ambers overall game will continue to develop with more added strength.
Recently, RISE Softball was able to catch up with Sydney for a brief Q&A:
RISE: Prior to the COVID-19, how were you preparing/ approaching your high school softball season (goals, mindset, etc?)
Amber: Oak Creek’s varsity softball program has always been a school to watch. In the past three years we have been in the state tournament twice, but have always seemed to come up short. This year our coach had been pushing us to have a “championship mindset.” For me personally I used this to fuel my workouts, practices, and lessons. Every time I did something related to softball I knew I had to push myself, so my team could finally get our state championship title.
RISE: What was your initial thoughts once the announcement was made that the remaining school year and all sports are cancelled?
Amber: It was so hard to hear that school and softball were cancelled for the remainder of the year. It’s hard knowing that all the hours of work I put in to improve myself for this season wouldn’t get to be used. Back in September, when high school morning workouts started, I made a countdown to the last one knowing that all the off-season work would lead to in-season victories. However, with this cancellation, I know I still have one great year of high school ball left. I’m heartbroken for my senior teammates who won’t get to play their final season that they worked so hard for.
RISE: What have you been doing to stay prepared for softball?
Amber: Due to not having the usual facilities open to practice softball, I’ve had to get creative. I’ve just tried to focus on my fundamentals, and keeping my body active and in shape. I have been hitting off my tee, working proper directional hitting, extension, and power. I have also continued to try new slapping drills, I figured it’s the time to try new things, that will hopefully better myself for the summer. Also, I have been keeping my arm loose with my brother who plays college baseball, him and I have been doing drills for a quick ball transfer. Lastly, I’ve continued catching bullpens for my pitchers, this is a great way for me to practice framing, blocking, and receiving.
RISE: What other things have occupied your time during the quarantine?
Amber: During quarantine, I have been trying to get outside as much as possible. I love to run so I have been taking my dog out almost every day. Also, my family has been getting to spend a lot more time together. It’s nice to be able to catch up with my brother because I haven’t seen him in awhile.
RISE: Favorite Softball Moment
Amber: My favorite softball moment has to be when my travel team played in the central region tournament through the Little League Organization. My dream was always to play in the Little League World Series, and if we would’ve won that tournament we would have played in the series. We ended up falling one game short, and the Ohio team we lost too ended up winning the World Series. Even though we lost, when I think of all my favorite memories from softball, I always think of the week we spent playing at the central region tournament.