HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2010

Tara (Herrick) Witzgall

2010 Inductee - 2000 Graduate 

Tara (Herrick) Witzgall was among the most prolific softball players in Fitchburg State College’s history. Before entering Fitchburg State, Witzgall competed as a full-time catcher for the Junior Olympic fast-pitch softball program, the Polar Crush.

Her former Junior Olympic coach, Matt Palumbo, said of Witzgall’s four years at Fitchburg State: “She never let up in her quest to be the best, was never satisfied, and continued to strive for perfection into and throughout her college career.” 

At the conclusion of her collegiate career, Witzgall held the Fitchburg State records for career at-bats, hits in a season, career hits, runs batted-in in a season, career runs batted-in, doubles in a season, career doubles, career homeruns, total bases in a season, and career total bases. She credits much of her athletic success to the strong network of support and dedication from her high school and college coaches.

After graduating with an early childhood education and sociology degree, Witzgall returned to teach in her hometown of Leominster, Mass. In June 2002, she married Jim Witzgall, a man who before had been introduced to her by the assistant softball coach at Fitchburg State. Teaching English/Language Arts to grades 1-5, Witzgall returns home each day to her son Taylor, age 4, and daughter Victoria, age 3. In her free time, Witzgall continues to play softball, competing in a local slow-pitch softball league.