Emma Reeves, 12, played on the high school softball team for all four years; however, this is not the extent of her softball career.

Reeves played for 14 years, and spent almost eight years playing with their club team, the Rebels. Growing up, Reeves’ parents played in slow pitch leagues which exposed them to the sport at a young age. Reeves started in a t-ball league and never stopped playing after that. Two years ago, Reeves had the opportunity to travel to California for a national softball tournament and placed fifth place with their team. Reeves will attend Rockhurst University to play softball and continue their academic career, majoring in nursing. 

“Last year during our game against Paola, I was put in to pitch because me and [Corey] Katzer, [head coach] made a deal that he wouldn’t pitch me cause I’m not a pitcher, and then he got really mad at me after that game,” Reeves said. 

Jaleigh White, 12, played softball for about 15 years including their four-year commitment to the high school

softball team. White’s older sister inspired them to play softball. White grew up watching their sister play D2 softball which inspired their love for the sport. With their club team, White won at nationals with their team when they were 15. White is committed to the University of Central Arkansas to play softball and continue their academic career, majoring in exercise science. 

“I actually broke Katzer’s iPad at one of our games when I was out my sophomore year because of my ACL. I was doing game changer, and there was no case on the iPad, and it fell and shattered,” White said. 

Nora Burrell, 12, played softball for 11 years and was a four year member of the high school softball team.

Burrell started playing t-ball when they were about four years old after being inspired by watching their older brothers play baseball. As time went on, Burrell grew to love the sport and continued to play any chance they found. Burrell looked back fondly on last year’s school season. Burrell explained that it was a good team with good chemistry. Burrell committed to the University of Saint Mary to play softball and continue their education. 

Quinn Thomson, 12, played softball since they were four years old and played with the high school team for four years despite suffering an injury during their sophomore year. Thomson’s mom played softball in high school which sparked their interest in softball. Once Thomson started playing, they never stopped. 

“My favorite softball memory is probably when we had our cornhole tournament last year for a fundraiser, and our senior Emilee Bergmann got her car stuck in this wood block that was in the driveway,” Thomson explained. 

During Thomson’s club season a few years back, they couldn’t help but remember the support from their team when they hit their first homerun. Thomson plans to attend Oral Roberts University to major in kinesiology. Although the university does not offer softball, Thomson plans to continue playing the sport recreationally. 

Halle McFarland, 12, played softball ever since they can remember. McFarland’s parents put them in the

sport, and since volleyball and softball were opposite seasons, it stuck. McFarland’s middle school club team helped them stick with the sport, as it was a good team and environment to be in. 

“Junior year, I got a homerun against Gardner, and I was so excited I tripped over first base,” McFarland said. 

Next year, McFarland will attend Kansas State University to study biochemistry. Even though McFarland will not be playing softball for the school, they plan to play in the intramural softball league at the university.