The Heart
Sports are the heart of a small town. Unlike bigger schools, these girls all are active playing multiple sports year around. They thrive under pressure, because they know how to win.
Tecumseh head softball coach, Gordon Wood has competed for eight state championship titles. He believes, and has told the girls that the Tecumseh fans have a heart for them that cannot be felt on any other field.
The bus has left Tecumseh for semi-state, you can find Karsyn Flowers putting the same ribbon in her hair she wears every game, popping two Advil, and putting black under her eyes. Check, check, check. It’s go time. Oh wait, the team arrives, and she and Taylor Ash pray for each other, and pick the dirt from the infield. Okay, now they are ready.
Being a senior, and knowing it could be her last game is not lost on Bri Marx. After softball player, Ashton Pryor from Boonville passed away, it really hit her that any one of the next games she and her teammates play could be their last. She loves the game, loves to be out there competing, and more than anything loves the energy of her teammates.
Jenna Donohoo says that the girls on this team are her best friends. She has played multiple sports with these besties of hers for years, and believes it has made them into versatile athletes. Jenna views pressure as excitement. As a fan, we are glad to hear that - we are counting on your RBIs come Saturday.
KSue Marx, what an athlete. A sophomore, and just killing it on the field. The number one thing she loves about this team, is that they all believe in each other. If one person is down, they pick each other up. There is no pressure being the leadoff when she has great batters behind her.
Taylor Ash, our speedy shortstop feels the team is really finding success working together after early struggles. Though Taylor feels the pressures of playing for Gordon, she finds strength through prayer; this allows her to trust and let her worries go.
Here’s my sendoff to the Lady Braves:
Close your eyes. Think about that little girl that was begging your parents to play catch, that little girl who wanted to go watch the “big girls” play softball. Now think about when travel ball began, and it was uncomfortable playing with a team you had never played with, think about the growth you learned from a small age. Let’s go to your teenage years where you started to grow as a person, and as a team. This is the time you realized these girls that you play with are not just teammates, but your family. Finally, think about where you are today. You’ve made it. Your fans love softball yes, but what they really love is the heart they see you play with. This season of life is one you will never forget. Play with your heart, and we will see you at state.
