“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell. Seventh and eighth graders at our school are challenged daily in the sports world. One example is softball, where current seventh and eighth graders hold their own against high schoolers.
Games
You are at a softball game, where everyone is excited. Then, suddenly, there was this awesome sound of a bat hitting a softball super hard, and the ball zoomed through the air. It’s one of the coolest moments in the game! An 8th grader, Natalie Klein, said, “The moment I’ll never forget last year was when we beat Grayson County. It was a super tough game with a lot of talented players.” Another player, Camryn Gathright, mentioned, “I enjoy playing games with my teammates. The older students, the ones in grades above us, are so amazing to be with.” Each girl on the team has a special connection with one another. This special bond helps them during games because they know they can trust and depend on each other.
Inspiration
The softball team has many different players, but the upperclassmen are the biggest inspiration for the younger girls on the team. They greatly inspire all the girls, helping and teaching them to become better players and individuals as well. Many of the 7th and 8th graders on the team admire and look up to Emma Lindsey, a junior on the team. “She works so hard at practices and games, and she’s super nice,” 7th grader Katie Yarbrough said. Teamwork and leadership are important for softball and any sport in general. It’s always good to have someone to look up to and to trust. “I honestly look up to anyone older than me on the team because they are really good softball players, and I know that I can trust them,” 8th grader Hadley Morrison said. So, the upperclassmen are very important to the younger girls on the team; they help them in many different ways.
Practices
The Bowling Green High School softball team puts in a lot of effort during their practice sessions to prepare for their games. They practice on weekdays when no games are scheduled. From 3:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon, they dedicate their time at the high school to working hard. Lola Kington, a seventh-grader who plays both catcher and third baseman for the team, said, “I enjoy hitting drills the most because it helps me improve my batting during games.” Lainey Kate Tolbert, another seventh-grade player, said, “I like the touchdown drill best. It’s great because it activates your legs and improves your hand’s ability to catch the ball.” All in all, everyone on the team practices hard to be well-prepared for their games.
Reflecting on their season, it’s clear how much they have all grown, not just in softball skills but also in teamwork and determination. Looking ahead, everyone is excited about the possibilities for the team next year, especially with all the talent and passion each player brings to the field. Being a part of the BGHS softball team is an unforgettable journey that teaches the value of hard work, commitment, and the true meaning of teamwork.