“I wanted to do everything she did,” said Jordan Guidi ’20.

At five years old, Guidi had already found her ambitious side. Following in the footsteps of her sister, Bianca Guidi ’18, Guidi started softball as a form of sibling rivalry. Now, as she nears the end of her senior year, Guidi’s dedication has left its mark on PHS’s softball program.

Given Cranbury’s small team, Guidi was confronted with few opportunities to pursue her interest in softball. Unfazed by such limitations, Guidi turned her focus from the performance of the team to her own self-improvement.

“I just think about myself, as weird as it is. I think about [how] no matter how else anyone is playing, I'm going to play my best and do my best,” Guidi said.

By appreciating the individual aspect of the game, Guidi is able to excel and establish herself as a powerhouse on the field.

“She's a very good hitter,” said Head Coach Marissa Soprano. “She's had multiple home runs which is not something all the girls are strong enough to do. … You can also see her competitiveness come out when she's at bat. She really likes to hit, and just wants to do well and drive her teammates in to score a few runs.”

Guidi has also filled numerous other roles on the team. During her freshman year, she split her time between both the JV and varsity programs, proving her dedication and versatility.

“She has been someone that has been able to perform at all levels,” said Soprano. “Her first position is not pitching. She doesn't love it, but she knows that it's one of the necessary parts of the game. So over the course of her career at PHS, I've asked her to pitch in different games and she has done it really without complaining. She has been there for the team when I know she probably preferred to play somewhere else.”

Guidi attributes her success and team spirit to the guidance of her sister. Having played together for 12 years until her sister’s graduation in 2018, Guidi was able to have a two-year overlap with her sister where she saw the way her sister built the team up.

“When we were on the team together, she always talked to me when I was having problems or when I was upset about something and she would always handle things really well. … So I guess I always looked up to her [for] how she handled things,” Guidi said.

Even as Guidi has shown her skill as a player, she recalls certain memories and games that have taught her the importance of teamwork over individual success.

“[My sister and I] played a game and we [were] on the same team, but the whole time, … we would just push each other over and fight to get the ball instead of working together to get it,” Guidi said.

Participating in team workouts over Zoom and leading small group discussions in order to encourage bonding as a team, Guidi still looks for opportunities despite the team’s softball season being suspended due to school closure. Although her actions are voluntary, Guidi’s contributions don’t go unnoticed.

“We are both pitchers, so we kind of have to lean on each other. If I can’t pitch a game, I can count on Jordan to be ready to get there in the game, she makes me feel more secure,” said teammate Kylee Tucholski ’21.

After spending so many years in the sport, Guidi reflects back on what made her stay for so long.

“I'm just here because I like playing the sport. … Have fun. Make friends. Don't let it be a bad memory. Make it a good memory,” Guidi said.