Photo by Lindsay Baumgartner
magine you have been on fall break for a while. The leaves are changing and the weather is getting colder by the second. You decide to travel to the state softball tournament to cheer on your Lady Titans as they compete against some of the toughest teams in the state. The sun is beating down; you can smell sunflower seeds and hot dogs.
It’s the end of the first game and you are nervous for the softball girls. Grandview is up to bat. The girl swings at the magnificent pitch and lobs the ball to first base. And just as she starts running you see Liz Hersey standing with her foot on the base, softball in glove, smiling—victorious.
The Forum caught up with extremely busy senior, Liz Hersey, between softball games at the State tournament Oct. 19 at the Aurora Sports Complex. Hersey has been playing softball for over 10 years and has developed a very strong connection with her team and her coaches. “This year has been hard,” Hersey said, “Especially knowing that every bat I swing and every ball I catch could be the last one.”
And Hersey was right. The Legend girls’ softball team fought until the end and won second place in the tournament.
“My favorite memory so far is becoming co-league champions with Rock Canyon. And of course being able to compete at state,” said Hersey.
And although the softball season has ended, Liz Hersey isn’t done making her mark quite yet. “As well as playing softball, I also throw shot put and discus for track. The biggest difference is that softball is all about the team and track is about the individual.” Hersey said.
Hersey truly knows what it’s like to sacrifice to keep the future bright. “I have never had to choose between softball or track and school. But there are times that I have to skip hanging out with friends to keep up with my school work or practice. It’s all about give and take, and that’s why I am on track to becoming a valedictorian,” Hersey said.
Liz Hersey is proof that it is possible to play a sport and have a 4.0 GPA. “All you have to do is work hard and make your grades a priority, and then everything else will come,” said Hersey. For Hersey, the seven months she has left at Legend High School are inspiration to keep up her hard work and possibly get into her dream school—Baylor University in Texas.
All About Liz:
Favorite class- Psychology
Favorite book- “Hunger Games”
Favorite teacher- Mrs. Henderson
Favorite dessert- Oreo milkshake
Favorite color- Green
Favorite movie- “Silver Linings Playbook”
Favorite Disney character- Simba
Favorite season- summer
Favorite candy- Smarties
Favorite sports team- Denver Broncos