The Westside softball team has some new talent on the field this year. Freshman Taryn Lewis is the Warriors new starting shortstop. Lewis talks about what it means for her to be a part of this team and program.
“ This year as a freshman it means so much to me to be playing varsity, with the level of talent on the team that these girls have I feel grateful that I have worked this hard to get here and play with such an amazing team,” Lewis said.
Head coach Mike Leapley had to make the hard decision on whether he was going to start Lewis on varsity as a freshman or if he was going to wait til next season, Coach Leapley talks about why he chose her for the team even though she’s so young compared to the girls she is up against.
“ We knew she could fill a spot and help contribute right away on both defense and offense for varsity. She is a talented and hardworking athlete who is very open to feedback, and she applies herself fully in every practice to improve her skills. We are excited about her future contributions to the team and look forward to having her for the next three seasons,” Leapley said.
Lewis talks about what she hopes to accomplish this season.
“I hope to accomplish just keeping up with my team and just adapting to the westside softball organization. I am also striving to get to state this year and help my team get there, ” Lewis said.
Senior Ruby Mann talks about what she believes Lewis has brought to the team.
“ Taryn has brought so much light to the team. She shows that there is a bright future for Westside softball and is going to be a great leader,” Mann said.
Even though Lewis is new to Westside she’s not new to softball, Lewis has played softball for 10 years and she talks about how her hard work paid off.
“I have played softball since I was really little, maybe even four years old. Since the start softball has been my whole life and to make it this far all the way to varsity makes me realize that all my hard work has paid off, ” Lewis said.
Even though Lewis is one of the youngest girls on the team she still has a lot to teach to the older girls, Mann talks about what she feels Lewis has taught her.
“ Even though she is younger she has taught me to still have fun while playing. I am in left field and she is on short stop so we have fun making faces at each other while playing,” Mann said.
Coach Leapley talks about Lewis’s confidence on the field and what that means to each inning.
“A confident player like Taryn can inspire her teammates. When they see her remaining calm and composed, other players feed off her energy. The team has been in some high-pressure situations the last few games and Taryn has made some great plays. The older girls have really embraced Taryn and we believe that has helped her confidence, too,” Leapley said.
Lewis talks about how she’s been adjusting to the high school level physically and mentally.
“The upperclassmen have helped me so much just by being comfortable at this level. Getting feedback and tips from them is the best way to adjust. Also I want to point out Emma Kaufmann who non-stop has helped me mentally and physically adjust to this new level, and is cheering me on, ” Lewis said.
You can catch Lewis in action Sep. 16 at Marian.
