High School softball playoffs are here!

It’s been a great High School season for watching softball. I’ve enjoyed traveling around and watching many local teams play. I’ve been fortunate to see almost all of our Shark players in action. I have to say I’m really proud of these kids! Virtually everyone of our Shark kids are playing significant roles on their High school teams. I even got to watch a baseball game! (Thanks Amanda .

Several players and games stand out in my mind this season. Here are a few: Alyssa Egan, the freshman who was just returning from a devastating head injury last fall was a big question mark. Could she even play this year? Could she be effective? Well, she showed everyone. She earned a starting spot in the circle for her Monroe Bearcat team, proving she was extreamly effective. She also hit in the 4 hole and had her first over-the-fence home run this past week. Another standout was Kelsie Mason who plays for Lynnwood. Replacing the standout pitcher like Julia Nealer is no easy task, but Kelsie jumped in and has done a great job this year. Not satisfied with just pitching, she’s a regular contributer with her bat as well. Another amazing kid is Mickey Blad who is the only freshman to make the Skyline varsity squad. Not only did she make the team, she’s hitting in the 4-hole and is hitting the cover off the ball. She’s having a great season.

A couple of other players standout in my mind because of the roles they have played on their HS teams. Jessica Christensen was asked to jump into the role of catcher for her Marysville team and from everything I’ve seen, she looks like a pro! Amanda Nemiroff, one of our stellar catchers, has been asked to play middle infield and has proven extremely skilled at that. This validates my belief that as coaches, we need to continue to develop well-rounded players who possess a wide range of skills. Every team has different needs, and having a wide range of skills makes a player valuable.

On slightly different note, I watched a terriffic game the other night between the powerhouse Woodinville and Eastlake in the Kingco 4A championship game. The game remained scoreless for 8 innings before Woodinville won in the 9th. On paper, Eastlake never had a chance against Woodinville. The Falcons are stacked with speed, power and great pitching. (Comprised of 4 current Sharks from our Gold team and a couple from my team from last year). Nicole Guptle from Eastlake pitched an absolute gem of a game, holding down a cadrea of power hitters and her team played excellent defense behind her. Kelsey Dempsey was lights out behind the plate and had some great hits in the game. I thought when Kelsey led of with a standup double in the 6th, Eastlake might pull an upset out of the hat, but it was not to be. A great contest it was.

I wish all of you the very best in your high school playoffs and your pursuit of a state title! I will see you all very soon. C