By Alyssa Book
Spring break means vacations, relaxation, and a full week with friends and family for most students. The girls’ softball team, however, will spend that week playing games, having practice, and working hard toward their goal of making it to state. Two of the players have a different story than the rest, though. This season marks their last chance to wear the Highlander uniform and represent FC on the diamond.
Senior Robin Dowell has been playing softball for 13 years. She said her position this year will be anywhere in the outfield. Her favorite memories of being on the team have been creating and performing a song with her previous teams for the seniors on Senior Night.
Dowell marks these as her most cherished memories associated with playing softball for FC. This year, she will get to enjoy the song from a different perspective, as she will be honored on Senior Night.
The other senior on the team is Bre Mayfield. She has been playing softball since she was four years old and has had experience in every position. This year, however, she will find her position at third base. Mayfield is hopeful that her goals will come true for her final season.
“My personal goal is to start third base, and my goal for the team is to win sectionals, regionals and state, which we are capable of doing. I want all of that along with winning the HHC.”
Sophomore Clara Shean describes how the seniors have helped her improve her out fielding skills and says that she hopes she can help the team as much as she can reach their goals.
Another underclassman that has learned from the two seniors is junior Caroline Cato.
“Bre keeps our defense together and always makes sure that the team is relaxed. She is a great leader. Robin has brought tons of team spirit and hard work. She is always there for everyone and always works hard.”
Cato goes on to describe how the seniors have taught her to work hard and not care what anyone thinks. She looks to them as role models as well as teammates.
Dowell is excited to start the season, but is sad about it being her last.
“I am really emotional about this last year. I want it to officially start yet I don’t want it to end.”
Now that it is her turn to enjoy the leadership of senior year, Dowell has advice for the underclassmen.
“I would tell the girls to enjoy the rest of the time they’re playing and to always have fun. Always have a positive attitude.”
Mayfield has hopes for the underclassmen as well, and hopes that she can be a leader the younger members can look up to.
“I hope the underclassmen learn that there’s more than just softball in life; there’s friends and family. And that’s exactly what we are.”
Editor’s Note: For more in-depth coverage of the softball team, check out the next issue of the Bagpiper coming out on March 22.