Senior Softball Spotlight!

As we celebrate the end of the season and Senior Night, we asked our senior softball players for a few final thoughts. 

Adria Below

Most memorable game?

My most memorable game was sophomore year when we played Leipsic, Madison Risner got hit in the head with a ball and Emily Durliat had a grand slam! We won the game and we were all so happy on the bus ride home.

Most embarrassing moment?

Last year we were playing Ada in a tournament game and it was my first time playing left field, someone hit a pop fly in between me and Kylie Joliff who was playing shortstop, we both ran for the ball and I forgot to call the ball behind her and we ended up running into each other, hitting heads and both fell to the ground. We were both fine but Kylie was a little mad at me the rest of the game - haha.

What positions have you played/currently play? What was your favorite position?

I’ve played a lot of positions over the years, 2nd base, 3rd base, and outfield. I currently play 2nd base and sometimes left field. I don’t have a favorite position but I can tell you my least favorite position is definitely 3rd base lol. 

Why did you choose to play softball?

When I came to Arlington my 8th grade year Madi Russell harassed me every day during lunch telling me I needed to play and I finally gave in like the week before practices started. 

What has been your biggest challenge and why?

My biggest challenge is probably staying positive during games especially when I have made errors. I tend to get mad at myself when I make mistakes and have had troubles brushing them off sometimes. But I am always happy to play with my teammates and am happy that I have continued to play these past four years!

Ashlyn Pryer

Most memorable game? 

My most memorable game would have been the double header against Kalida my sophomore year, when Madison Risner broke the team's college commit’s collarbone. And later in the game one of our players got really mad at the catcher. Good times!

Most embarrassing moment?

My most embarrassing moment would have been when I walked out and caught two batters without a chest protector. (Happened more than once!)

What positions have you played/currently play?

I played shortstop my freshman year for Riverdale, and have caught for Arlington since sophomore year.

What was your favorite position?

My favorite position is either shortstop or catching, depending on the day!

Why did you choose to play softball?

I chose to play softball because I’ve been playing since kindergarten. My mom played in high school, and I wanted to continue to play my senior year for my mom. I use her old glove when I play shortstop.

What has been your biggest challenge and why? 

My biggest challenge has been sticking out my senior season. It gets very discouraging to lose games by run rules. The little softball player in me dreamed about high school or even potential college softball, so it’s not what I had hoped for. But, even with our record I’m proud that I still played and am thankful for each memory I have made with the girls!

Madi Russell

Most memorable game?

My most memorable game was Kalida sophomore year. For the same reasons that Ashlyn said, but also, we won both of the games that day and it was a fun game to play. 

Most embarrassing moment?

My most embarrassing moment is probably anytime that I step into the pitcher’s circle. I probably do something embarrassing 95% of the time. I trip because after pitching for a while there is basically a nice canyon in the mound to roll my ankle on. Sometimes I will make it look like I forget which sport I’m playing and as I’m pitching the ball I will release too early, causing it to roll like a bowling ball all the way to home plate. Then we have my all time favorite, when I pitch the ball behind me. Now I have to say it is a very special talent that I have to be so bad that the ball ends up at second, but I’m pretty good at it. 

What positions have you played/currently play? What was your favorite position?

I have played every position at least once, but this year has been mainly pitcher, shortstop, and 3rd base. My favorite position to play is pitcher and sometimes shortstop.

Why did you choose to play softball?

When I was 3 my dad started taking me out into the yard to play and I finally started coach pitch when I was 6. I have really enjoyed playing ever since. 

What has been your biggest challenge and why?

My biggest challenge has been keeping up energy and drive to play and get better. Even when I was in U12 and U14, I haven’t been on very good teams and it’s hard to want to keep playing when you always lose and get run ruled. I love to play the sport, but sticking with it has always been difficult.