Alexis Resto is flanked by her mom Kristine (left), sister Kayla and dad Mike when she signed to play softball at Western Connecticut State University.
Shelton High Athletics / Contributed photoShelton’s Alexis Resto takes throws to first base and looks around the field. If she closed her eyes and refocused, Resto could very well be at the Nike Recreation Field. Eight of the Gaels have been playing softball together since they were 10 years old.
“It’s amazing being able to take these friendships since Little League and becoming a family,” Resto said. “That is how it works for us on the field. We have such an unbreakable bond. I don’t think anyone can understand what it means to be with each other for so long. It’s really special.”
Resto has helped Shelton put together a 10-5 season. The CHSCA Class LL All-Stater will next play at Western Connecticut State University.
“WestConn coach (Heather) Stone told me that as a freshman I would have an opportunity to play. It would be all about effort, confidence, and willingness to work outside the season. I’m willing to do all that,” said Resto, who will major in social work. “My godfather Billy Eannotti played there. I watched his games, loved the place, and knew that was a school I’d love to go to.”
Resto was the state’s third leader in batting average as a junior when she hit .667 with 17 extra base hits, 27 runs scored and 29 RBIs. This year she had driven in 13 runs, scored 19 and is batting .529.
“When you step in that box, you have got to take a breath, relax, and do what you have to do to help the team,” she said. “Trust your hands, don’t double think. Have fun.”
Playing for Shelton took hold at a young age for this group of Gaels.
“I remember ending practice (at Shelton Intermediate School) and going to a high school game as a team. We were all amazed. We realized that would be us in the next couple of years,” said Resto, who had another force pulling her forward. “My sister Kayla. I’ve looked up to her since forever. She has always been there for me. Whether it is school, softball, anything. She graduated in 2018. I missed playing softball at Shelton with her by a year.”
Resto is in no rush for the season to end.
“We’re coming off some big wins,” she said. “We have tough games coming up with Lyman Hall, Cheshire and Seymour then the postseason. We are taking it one day at a time.”
She credits Shelton coach Lindsay Wheeler for the team’s success.
“Coach Wheeler is open to input. We can talk after a rough game. At the end of the day, everyone is there for the same thing: compete every day and have fun. If you can’t do that you will lose your love for the game,” Resto said.
Shelton, winners of three straight, is seeded 15th in Class LL and seventh in the SCC. League playoffs begin on May 23.
Note: Anna Leone, Jackie Jenco, Sarah Broad, Taylor Silva, Amanda Kiman, Rachel Kiman, Julia Krijgsman and Resto were Section 2 Major Division Little League champions in 2017.
william.bloxsom@hearstmediact.com Twitter: @blox354