What has playing Zebra softball meant to you?
This program has been a source of memories, great friendships, and coaching. Being a part of it has been one of the best experiences thus far and this program will continue to mean the world to me once I am off to college.
What is your favorite memory of playing Zebra softball?
My favorite memory would have to be going to state 2020 and making it to the semis.
What is your favorite quote?
“What’s the first rule of softball? Don’t hit it right at them.” -Coach McQueen
What is your go-to song to get you pumped up for a game?
In the Ayer-Flo Rida
Do you have a pregame ritual? If so, what is it?
Yes, doing individual handshakes with each of the girls.
What is something your coach told/tells you that you will always remember?
“You're just a precious person.” -Sami Garoutte
If you were talking to younger players what would you want them to know?
Don’t take your time for granted; play every game like it will be your last.
What are a couple of life principles (values) you have learned from playing softball?
I have learned how to compose myself in high-pressure situations.
If you could sum up your experience in one word what would it be?
Exceptional
What is your plan after graduation (seniors)?
I plan to attend Oklahoma State University to major in Chemistry (ACS Approved) and work towards my bachelor’s degree as a full-time student.
What has playing Zebra softball meant to you?
Playing Zebra softball has meant so much to me; it was a huge part of my high school experience. I've made lifelong friendships through this program and had coaches who would help me if I needed anything. It is such a fun atmosphere; I have enjoyed being a part of this team for the last four years.
What is your favorite memory of playing Zebra softball?
My favorite memory would be going to state my junior year; it was one of the best experiences I’ve had.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is, " Stop doubting yourself, work hard and make it happen.”
What is your go-to song to get you pumped up for a game?
My go-to song would have to be Riff-Off from Pitch Perfect; we would listen to it before every away game.
Do you have a pregame ritual? If so, what is it?
Yes, before every single game, Grace and I would give each other pep talks about how we were going to do good and always back each other up.
What is something your coach told/tells you that you will always remember?
My coaches told me that I would never forget that my visor will never be straight because I'm left-handed, so I need to embrace it.
If you were talking to younger players what would you want them to know?
If I talked to younger players, I would tell them to be selfless and work hard for their team because they become family and enjoy every minute of it; it goes by so fast.
What are a couple of life principles (values) you have learned from playing softball?
This sport has taught me some life principles: if you want it, you have to work for it; you’re not just going to get handed everything you want. I also learned that you can't lack effort or have an attitude even on your bad days because it will get you nowhere.
If you could sum up your experience in one word what would it be?
If I had to sum up my experience in one word, it would be exhilarating.
What is your future plan after graduation (seniors)?
I'm undecided about a specific college, but I would like to major in psychology and become a psychiatrist.
What has playing Zebra softball meant to you?
Playing zebra softball has meant meeting my temporary family and getting to play with my favorite people.
What is your favorite memory of playing Zebra softball?
My favorite memory of playing zebra softball is when we won regionals and got to have the experience at state.
What is your favorite quote?
“The strongest people aren’t always the people who win, but the people who don’t give up when they lose.”
What is your go-to song to get you pumped up for a game?
My favorite go-to song to get me pumped up before a game is “riff-off.”
What is something your coach told/tells you that you will always remember?
Coach Short always told me to make good decisions.
If you were talking to younger players, what would you want them to know?
If I were talking to younger players, I would want them to know to play every game like it’s your last and not to take anything for granted.
What are a couple of life principles (values) you have learned from playing softball?
Some life principles I learned playing softball is even when you try your hardest, you don’t always win.
If you could sum up your experience in one word, what would it be?
Amazing
What is your plan after graduation (seniors)?
My plan after graduation is going to play college softball at Connors State.
What has playing Zebra softball meant to you?
Playing zebra softball has meant having a forever family.
What is your favorite memory of playing Zebra softball?
My favorite memory of playing Zebra softball is hosting and winning regionals then getting to go to state.
What is your favorite quote?
“Just have fun.”
What is your go-to song to get you pumped up for a game?
Get low- Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz
Do you have a pregame ritual? If so, what is it?
Singing along and dancing to music on the bus.
What is something your coach told/tells you that you will always remember?
“Why haven't we scored yet.”
If you were talking to younger players, what would you want them to know?
Always remember to have fun, and never take a game/practice for granted. You never know when it could be your last.
What are a couple of life principles (values) you have learned from playing softball?
Teamwork and leadership
If you could sum up your experience in one word, what would it be?
Memorable
What is your plan after graduation (seniors)?
My plan after high school is to attend college and travel.
What has playing Zebra softball meant to you?
Being a softball player at Claremore has been more than just playing a game, and it is a family, one that I will never forget.
What is your favorite memory of playing Zebra softball?
My favorite memory was my walk-off grand slam against Pryor my Junior Year.
What is your favorite quote?
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”- Walt Disney.
What is your go-to song to get you pumped up for a game?
Get Like Me- David Banner
What is something your coach told/tells you that you will always remember?
The best leaders are ones who lead off the field too.
If you were talking to younger players, what would you want them to know?
Play every game like it's your last; you never know when it will be taken away.
What are a couple of life principles (values) you have learned from playing softball?
Respect everyone because you never know who is watching and do everything you can to the best of your abilities.
If you could sum up your experience in one word, what would it be?
Amazing
What is your plan after graduation (seniors)?
My plan after high school is to continue playing softball at the next level.
What has playing Zebra softball meant to you?
Playing zebra softball is and will always be one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. I cherish and love all my memories and friends that’s I have from zebra softball. When I think of growing up or high school, I will think of lady zebra softball for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite memory of playing Zebra softball?
My favorite memory was winning regionals my sophomore year.
What is your favorite quote?
Saying “ur mom” to the coaches every time they asked us a question.
What is your go-to song to get you pumped up for a game?
One Two Step by Ciara
Do you have a pregame ritual? If so, what is it?
We have a chant that the whole team does and I have a handshake with almost every player.
What is something your coach told/tells you that you will always remember?
"You can’t be afraid to lose." - Coach Short.
If you were talking to younger players what would you want them to know?
I would tell myself to relax and not to take any game for granted.
What are a couple of life principles (values) you have learned from playing softball?
Sometimes you are the person who messes up, and it hurts the team; it’s one of the worst feelings to feel like you let your team down. But sometimes, you're the one who has the walk-off hit that wins the game or the clutch play that keeps the other team from scoring. You can’t always be the hero, but you continue to push and work hard even on your bad days.
If you could sum up your experience in one word what would it be?
Wonder
What has playing Zebra softball meant to you?
Playing Zebra softball has shown me that I have another group of people called “family.”
What is your favorite memory of playing Zebra softball?
My favorite memory of playing Zebra softball is when we went to Durant.
What is your favorite quote?
“What I love about the game is that the game doesn’t know who is going to win.” -Sue Enquist.
What is your go-to song to get you pumped up for a game?
Riot Maker -Tech N9ne
Do you have a pregame ritual? If so, what is it?
Pep talks with one of my fav seniors Julia Hoffman.
What is something your coach told/tells you that you will always remember?
The game is more fun when you keep smiling.
If you were talking to younger players, what would you want them to know?
Play every game like it’s your last.
What are a couple of life principles (values) you have learned from playing softball?
I’ve learned that when you are playing for the girls on the field with you, and not just for yourself, good things happen. One other thing that I learned that helped me succeed throughout my softball career is that it's OK to fail.
If you could sum up your experience in one word, what would it be?
Unforgettable.
Photo Credits Means Photography
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