Freshman Temperance Bartlett has started her high school journey off playing at softball’s varsity level. Throughout the tough journey from summer open fields, to tryouts, and now playing on a team with upperclassmen, Temperance has made sure to put her best foot forward.
“During open fields in the summer I was so focused on making a good impression, during tryouts it wasn’t as intense. There was just more pressure because I knew the coaches knew what I could do,” Bartlett said. “It was just whether I could do it under pressure or not. Now that the season has started it’s just as intense because just because you have a spot doesn’t mean you can’t lose it.”
With the uncertainty of having a spot, Temperance has learned to trust in herself, but also to understand everything that the upperclassmen contribute to the team.
“Coming into Westside not knowing any of the upperclassmen was scary but I’ve grown a great bond with many of them and couldn’t be happier to be involved with them, they make sure I’m involved with plans, have rides, etc.,” Bartlett said.
Another freshman, Greenlee Wulf, also thinks that the positivity and leadership has made a positive impact on the freshmens’ start to their highschool careers.
“The team has welcomed us by being girls who do not judge and let you fit in and by yourself.”
Head Coach Mike Leapley believes that the welcoming team atmosphere has helped the freshmen adjust to stepping up to play with varsity. Though they aren’t the most vocal, he knows that they contribute a lot to the team.
“They don’t say a lot. They go about their business. It shows the team I believe in their ability to play on varsity. I have put them in some thought spots, and they have stepped up to the challenge,” Leapley said.
Starting off the season 6-7, the team believes that they have more to work on. Bartlett trusts in the fact that the team has been working hard for a chance to go far this season.
“I’m a very competitive person so during the games I just think about what I want the end results to be, it doesn’t always go my way but I know that I can only play for myself and my team,” Bartlett said.
As they continue the season, the other two freshmen notice the positive impacts that Bartlett has brought to the team, and how she has stepped up in many ways.
“The atmosphere on and off the field is very welcoming, and her and all the girls are super nice,” Josephine Sanderford said.
Although this is her first high school season, Bartlett has been working hard for a decade playing the sport she loves. She plans to work hard in order to take her athletic career to the next level in the future.
“I have always had a very deep love for my sport. I’ve been playing softball since I was four, so about 10 years. I know that people will be looking at me and I know I can only do so much, so I try to think about my future, knowing I want to play in college,” Bartlett said.
Bartlett has a lot of support from her teammates and coaches, and the remainder of the season is looking up.
“As a team, we have to get better at hitting and fielding before we make this run at the districts and try to get back to the state. The team knows this, and it is putting the work into it by staying after practice to hit,“ Leapley said. ” We started off a little rough, but we are beginning to turn the corner. We are starting to play as a team and getting our swag back.”
Bartlett is proud of how she’s started off her career, and is anticipating great things for this team.
“I try my hardest to be the best for the team and stay as supportive as I can. This season I look forward to making a good bond with everyone and pushing myself for next season,” Bartlett said.
Even when it is rough, Coach Leapley is optimistic about the wins and what they mean to the team.
“We are not giving up on each other. We are fighting through the tough times. We have to start stacking some wins—halfway through the season. Like they say, it is not where you start but where you finish,” Leapley said.
Follow the softball team as they play Friday, Sept. 20.
