Alamosa, Colo. – For Emily Sauvageau, softball has always been more than just a game. She grew up at the ballpark — literally. Her family has season tickets at Coors Field, and by the time she was 8 years old, she had already been to more than 400 Rockies games. That early love for baseball naturally turned into a passion for softball, and it's clear she's carried that same energy and excitement onto the field ever since.
Now heading into her senior year at Adams State, she's already made her mark as the first player in program history to earn the RMAC Golden Glove award. It's something she had her eye on from the moment she learned the award existed. Growing up watching Todd Helton, she saw just how important a strong defensive first baseman could be, and she's worked for years to become that kind of player herself. Whether it was throwing short hops off a wall or taking ground balls from her dad, she's put in the reps to make defense her specialty.
One game that stands out to her was a win over New Mexico Highlands. She made a couple of big plays at first, one on a grounder to her right, and another pick in the sixth inning with the game tied. Even Highlands' coach took the time to say, "Good play," after both — a moment that stuck with her.
When it came time to choose a college, playing in Colorado was a top priority. She wanted to stay close to home so her family could continue to be part of her journey, just like they always had. But more than anything, she was looking for a coach who saw her as more than just an athlete. That's where Adams State and head coach Dane Craig came in. From the start, she could tell he was the kind of coach who genuinely cared about his players.
She hopes to be remembered not just for the accolades, but for her effort and the way she showed up for her team. Someone who gave her best every time she stepped on the field and did whatever was needed to help the team win.
Even after college, she knows she wants to stay involved in the game. She hopes to coach one day, whether that's her future daughter's team or something at the college level. She also has her sights set on working in Major League Baseball, ideally in scouting or analytics.
And of course, every player has their little quirks. For her, it was "Sharky," the ball she'd use between innings to toss around the infield. If the inning went well, Sharky stayed. If not, it was time for a switch.
Her walk-up songs also carry meaning. "The Show Goes On" by Lupe Fiasco was picked by her younger brother before her freshman season, and "Your Love" by The Outfield is a tribute to longtime Rockies favorite Charlie Blackmon, who retired last year.
From the bleachers at Coors Field to first base at Adams State, Sauvageau has built a career defined by heart, hustle and pride in her craft. And with one final season still ahead of her, she's not done writing her story just yet.
