Senior Athlete Spotlight: Augustine Schuitemaker-March

For as long as Augustine Schuitemaker-March can remember, she has loved the game of baseball. With two brothers playing baseball and a family who loved attending Major League Baseball games whenever the opportunity arose, it was natural for Schuitemaker-March to transition into the game of softball. Schuitemaker-March began playing in 6^th grade while still living in New York, playing there through her freshman year of high school before making the move down to Miami and joining Palmer Trinity’s Varsity Softball team as a sophomore in 2022.

Schuitemaker-March calls her experience on the team “amazing”, noting how close the team is. “It feels more like a family than just a school team,” says Schuitemaker-March. “Our team is filled with younger players who continue to get better each year and encourage each other. I am very excited to see the team continue to improve and work together each season.” Schuitemaker-March is also quick to point out the impact that Varsity Head Coach Jen Cerda has had on the team. Schuitemaker-March believes that Coach Cerda’s understanding and care allows the team to both play to the best of its ability and have fun while doing so. She also believes Coach Cerda is a terrific leader who has not only improved the team significantly on field, but has helped them grow off of it as well.

Something that makes the Varsity Softball team unique is that it is a team mixed with both Middle School and Upper School student-athletes, including two sixth graders. While this dynamic could result in a separation amongst the team, Schuitemaker-March loves the opportunity to be a role model to the next generation of Falcons. Through words of wisdom and encouragement, Schuitemaker-March wants to inspire the younger players to be confident and resilient. “I tell them that mistakes are okay and unavoidable, so all we can do is work on our challenges and try to do better next time.” In fact, if you ask Schuitemaker-March her favorite memory of being on the team, it was when the team did Bigs & Littles where each younger student-athlete was showered with posters and gifts from an upperclassmen buddy who then became a mentor. Coach Cerda also sees the leadership that Schuitemaker-March brings to the team. “She is source of energy and intensity and keeps the team motivated, even after a tough inning or game,” Cerda speaks of Schuitemaker-March.

Off the field, Schuitemaker-March is an active participant in The Symphonettes, an all-girls community service initiative dedicated to benefitting youth performing arts in Miami. She also tutors Ukranian students to expand their English fluency. In her down time, Schuitemaker-March enjoys spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite activities is going swimming in the ocean with her dogs.

Schuitemaker-March, whose favorite food is sushi, favorite movie is Mamma Mia!, and favorite artists are Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan, is excited to attend Tulane University in fall where she plans to double major in Philosophy and Neuroscience.

Be sure to come out and support Augustine and the rest of the Varsity Softball team in their road up to the District Tournament, beginning the week of April 29^th.

Go Falcons!