Senior outfielder Ruby Mann is a leader in the outfield as she has been starting there for the past two years. She has a strong bat hitting .340 in the season last year and .444 so far this year. Mann does not plan to continue softball after high school, she talks about what she hopes to accomplish before she leaves softball behind. 

“ I hope to accomplish making it to state and beating even the toughest teams that we have faced,” Mann said. 

Head coach Mike Leapley talks about his bond with Mann and what he hopes to see her accomplish. 

“Awesome. I have nothing but respect for Ruby. Ruby is very coachable and strives to improve each day. I don’t think we have a bond more like that of a coach/player. Which is awesome, we get along so well,” Leapley said. “ I hope to see Ruby finish her career playing with confidence and joy — trusting all the hard work she’s put in over the years. She’s developed into a dependable, team-first player, and I’d love to see her continue to grow as a leader and take her game to the next level. More than anything, I hope she walks away proud of what she’s accomplished and knowing the impact she’s had on her teammates and our program.” 

Junior Kam Lawson talks about how Mann has impacted her. 

“Ruby has truly impacted me with her positive attitude, no matter what challenges she might be facing outside of softball. She always shows up with a smile, and lifts everyone’s mood, especially mine,”  Lawson said. 

Mann is involved in lots of school activities, some being red shield, dance marathon, softball, and student council. She talks about how she manages it all while also maintaining good grades in school. 

“ I manage my extracurricular activities by planning my days accordingly. I use my time wisely and get my work done early so that I can have some free time to fill my schedule with other activities,”  Mann said. 

Coach Leapley talks about Mann’s work ethic on the field. 

“ She shows up every day ready to compete and get better, no matter the circumstances. She takes coaching well, puts in extra reps without being asked, and holds herself and her teammates accountable. Even her BFF Kam! AHAH,”  Leapley said. 

Freshman Taryn Lewis talks about what Mann has taught her in their short time together. 

“Ruby has taught me to just have fun when I play and not to get so hard on myself. I look forward to every game, even innings to just look at ruby and have our little jokes with each other. She reminds me that this is just a game and to be in the moment,”  Lewis said.  

As Mann doesn’t plan to continue softball after high school, she talks about how she plans to adjust to not being on a softball schedule.  

“ I plan to adjust to not being on softball by keeping myself productive and continuing to get stronger for club season,”  Mann said. 

Lawson talks about how her and Mann’s bond was strengthened on the field. 

“ Softball is what brought us together and made our bond so strong. Honestly without it, I don’t think we would’ve become as close as we are today,” Lawson said.

Mann has played softball for nine years, and with her leaving softball behind she talks about what Westside softball has taught her that she can take with her to the real world. 

“ Westside softball has taught me to get better every day even if it is just 1%. As long as you are pushing yourself and working extra hard the work will pay off,” Mann said. 

Lewis talks about what it means to be able to play alongside Mann. 

“ It means a lot to me to play alongside ruby because of how talented she is and the energy she brings to the field. She’s an amazing player and she brings so much light into the dugout,”  Lewis said. 

Mann has committed her time to the team over the years, she talks about how she feels her hard work has paid off. 

“ I feel that my hard work has paid off because I am exactly where I want to be. I play left field and feel that I have worked so hard to get to where I am at,” Mann said. 

With Mann being able to be involved in countless extracurricular activities and still being able to handle everything, Lewis talks about how Mann has inspired her. 

“Seeing Ruby balance playing softball and still include herself  in the school activities like red shield inspires me a lot of what I can do in the future just like what ruby is doing. It also makes me realize I can do more than just one thing if I work hard,” Lewis said. 

Coach Leapley talks about what he will miss the most about Mann. 

“ Steady presence and positive energy. She’s the kind of player who makes everyone around her better — always encouraging, always giving her all, and always leading by example. Always smiling no matter what,” Leapley said. 

Lawson talks about her favorite memory on the field with Mann. 

“ My favorite memory with ruby has to be just sharing the outfield together and making plays with great communication and fun,” Lawson said. 

Reflecting on her time with Westside softball Mann talks about her favorite memory and what she will miss the most when she leaves this base behind. 

“ What I will mostly miss about Westside softball is the friendships I have made. I have met some of my best friends through this sport and feel especially lucky to have these girls in my life,” Mann said. 

You can see Mann in action Oct 8 in the district tournament.