Emma Kauffman is a Senior on Varsity, and has been on the team since she was a freshman. Before high school Emma has played softball since she was five years old, playing alongside Hannah Miller and Baylee Heffernan who are also on the Varsity team. Emma is a big part of Westside Softball, with her strong batting average and having clean defense in the outfield and infield. She played shortstop up until her senior year, but moved to center field this year and has held the defense strong in both positions.
Hannah Miller has played on the same team as Emma for the longest time, She talks about how Emma leads the team when they are on both defense and offense.
“Emma is an amazing teammate and leader. She has a high softball IQ which makes her a great player. She knows every play and where the ball needs to go, she plans ahead to make the best of every play,” Miller said. “Offensively she always provides a base hit, which gets runs across the board. She shows the underclassman the standard by being a team player even if that means laying down a sacrifice bunt, etc.”
Westside Softball has been a huge part of Emma’s life, she talks about her favorite memories from being a freshman on Varsity to now starting in center field.
“My favorite memories from Westside softball were making it to state sophomore year, all the team dinners with my teammates after practice, and beating Millard West at State during this last season,” Kauffman said.
Coach Mike Leapley has been Emma’s coach all four years of high school, and is her summer ball coach. Mike talks about how Emma is as a player as she made a huge impact on the outfield this year during high school.
“I’m so proud of Emma. I asked her to move from SS this to Center field. I said to Emma I need a favor, please. I said, What about you playing CF this year, The look at first was not the look of excitement, let’s put it that way. I knew she could do it. Emma is very athletic, so I knew it would be easy for her to pick up, and did she ever. Emma looked so natural in CF. When the team noticed Emma in CF, everyone was ok, Em. I knew she would take it once the team was behind it. Emma did so well out there; she made some fantastic plays and throws. Her willingness to learn and help others improve has raised the level of play for the entire outfield group,” Leapley said.
Emma is also a leader on the team, both in the infield and outfield. Showing what being an upperclassman really means. She helped the younger girls get a feel like what it was to be on the varsity team in high pressure moments.
One of those girls was Taryn Lewis, she was new to the varsity team this year, but was the starting shortstop. Taryn talks about how Emma led as a mentor to her, and the other girls. Especially since Emma used to start at shortstop, she always made sure to give tips and uplift Taryn after an error or an awesome play.
“Emma is an amazing teammate because she is always working so hard on and off the field, while still being able to help her teammates whenever,” Taryn said. “Emma has helped me tremendously through this season. Just simply by giving me critical tips on shortstop and helping me understand situations easier. She also was always cheering me on and supporting me which makes such a big difference for me on the field.”
This fall was her last season on Westside softball, she talks about what her goals were, and what she did to reach them. She also explains her motivation, and support that helped her surpass them.
“My goals for senior season was to help my team get to state and play to the best of my abilities. I also wanted to hit well more consistently. I reached them by encouraging teammates during setbacks and working to improve my performance to help the whole team,” Kauffman said. “My biggest supporters are my parents and sister; they come to every single game during the season and are the best advice givers. My motivation to do my best is my love for the game and being able to enjoy the process.”
To reach her goals she needed to have support and motivation and all her coaches gave her especially, Coach Leapley. He has seen Emma improve throughout the years, he talks about what she was like when she was a freshman vs now.
“Watching Emma grow from her freshman year to now has been incredible. As a player, she’s developed into one of our most dependable and versatile athletes—someone who can step into any role and make an impact. I think Emma can play anywhere. Fun fact Emma played volleyball at a very high level. Fun fact: Emma can hit home runs. Fun Fact: Emma is a true athlete. Any team she is on they are fortunate to have her,” Leapley said.
Emma will still play on Coach Leapley’s club ball team this summer, and will continue her softball career in the fall at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
“I am committed to Rensselaer and I picked to go there because of their strong engineering program, high level softball team, and the location. Rensselaer is special to me because I have the opportunity to pursue an engineering degree while playing high level softball.” Emma said.
Going to a new place is always a little bit scary, especially when it is states away. Emma talks about moving to college and playing the next level.
“I am excited to move to a new place and I know that there is so much I haven’t experienced yet. I am very excited to meet new people and make new friends. I think I will be able to settle in well although moving to college anywhere could be scary. I love visiting new places and experiencing different things,” Emma said.
Emma has had an amazing 4 years on the Westside softball team, but it is on to the next level for her. Emma Kauffman will officially sign with Rensselaer on Nov.12. In the main gym at 7:30 am.
