TOWSON, Md. – Towson softball senior pitcher Ambar Hickman enjoys making everybody around her feel comfortable. It's just her extroverted nature in which she likes seeing others in a jovial mood. (CLICK HERE TO READ UD-TOWSON WEEKEND PREVIEW)
 
It explains why Hickman is consistently standing on the top step of the Towson dugout cheering loudly with the enthusiasm of a toddler at recess, hand-clapping, toe-tapping, banging bats together, and having a blast during games. A one-woman pep rally, Hickman's effervescing fervor is contagious as her teammates usually join in all of the fun.
 
"I try to be as silly and funny as possible," Hickman said during an extensive interview earlier this week. "That's what we need. We can get crazy. Once in a while, you have to put in that extra silly to get the standard back up to crazy. I just try to be as crazy and motivating as possible. I have two different personalities."
 
Once she steps into the circle, Hickman's Colgate smile dissolves into a serious scowl. With a repertoire of pitches that float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, Hickman is focused and serious while competing with a ferocious intensity. She admits to having to win at everything whether it's walking into a building before anybody else or in a game of checkers.
 
A psychology major who will receive her degree in less than a month, Hickman is finishing her career with a flourish for the Tigers. She has kept smiles on the faces of her teammates and fans with her sterling performances this season.
 
As Towson prepares to conclude its regular season with a pair of critical three-game sets against Delaware and UNCW, Hickman has won 11 games, tossed nine complete games and compiled a 2.80 earned run average. She has been a rock of excellence – strong and determined whenever she's been called on to pitch.
 
"Everything I do is for my teammates," Hickman said. "I never wanted to do something so much for other people. I love to see them happy and excited. Everytime I pitch, that's all I think about. My teammates are my central focus."
 
With the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) standings tangled like a plate of spaghetti, the Tigers (31-14 overall, 7-7 CAA) are continuing their playoff push. They are one of six teams fighting for four remaining playoff berths. James Madison has won the regular season title and will host the CAA Tournament beginning Tuesday, May 9.
 
"We know how important these last two weeks are and we're going to do our very best to make the most of it," Hickman said. "I am thankful for every opportunity I get to pitch."
 
Hickman has had some shining moments this season like the complete-game shutout and seven strikeout gem she threw against Manhattan in California, the six strikeout effort in a win over Virginia and a complete-game performance last weekend at the College of Charleston in a 3-2 win.
 
During her highlight filled career, Hickman has won 30 games, thrown 27 complete games and struck out 133 batters. Interestingly, Hickman may not have been in a position to become a solid pitcher as she was forced away from the sport for over a year after breaking a bone in her hand when she was 14.
 
She temporarily lost feeling in her hands, which limited her ability to grip a softball. Hickman, who started playing softball when she was 5 years old, transitioned to shortstop where she was solid, but her first love was pitching. That moment tested Hickman, who relied on her unshakable faith during those tough times.
 
"I couldn't throw," Hickman said. "I was emotionally distraught and didn't think I was going to pitch again. I have a lot of faith. My parents have also helped me with my faith especially when I have experienced hard times. I put God in the center of my life. Now, being here in college has grown and strengthened my faith."
 
As her career concludes, Hickman has contributed significantly to the Tigers success. Towson has won 125 games and participated in the 2014 CAA Tournament title game. While she's enjoyed a career to cherish, Hickman will be remembered more for her pleasant personality, heart of a lion and compassion toward others.
 
"The memories and amazing times with my teammates are what I am going to remember the most from my time here," Hickman said. "All of the funny moments, sad moments and everything in between. I am excited for these last few weeks. I can't believe my career is winding down. My years here went by really quick. Where did they go? I was just a freshman yesterday. I can't believe I am leaving. My goal is to work in the emergency room. I want to do something for other people and give something to somebody else."