Northern Star: Melania Luostari

Luostari is set to play for Auburn next year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Former Athletics GM Billy Beane once said “You get on base, we win. You don’t, we lose.”

Superior senior infielder Melania Luostari has done a lot of hitting in her four years. Which of course, leads to plenty of victories.

“Softball is a large part of my life, but it’s not everything. When I don’t go 3 for 3 in a game, it’s okay. Just get over it, go to the next game, next at bat like that’s been really helping me this year,” said Luostari.

Her offensive ability isn’t the only thing though that’s making an impact on the field.

“She’s so adaptable. I mean, a glove that just snags the balls out of the air. She has a cannon of an arm. It’s just like that is the softball player every coach dreams to have,” said head coach Bobbijean Gidley.

Chris and Kate Malveaux, the co-head coaches of Auburn University can attest to that as Luostari is set to suit up for the Tigers next year.

“I’m so excited to get down there. Like I remember the state tournament and that feeling I had when I was playing on that field. It almost makes me cry because it’s such an amazing feeling. When I go down there and I play those games, I can’t wait to feel that feeling again,” added Luostari.

In the mean time, it’s all about helping those that will grace a Superior uniform down the road.

“She’s definitely a lead by example type of person, let me walk up to the plate with confidence, let me go to my position, let me hustle, let me show you what a good player is,” added Gidley.

Luostari and Superior are next in action on Thursday against Duluth Marshall.