Lady Goats’ softball is shuttered, athletes weigh in
The Groesbeck Lady Goats had huge expectations for the softball season this year, unexpectedly shuttered by the COVID-19 crisis and UIL’s precautionary measure to conclude academic sport practices and competitions.
“We were 9-3 going into district before losing two very close games to Palestine Westwood,” said Coach Alan Weihausen. “[In those games, the Lady Goats] went 3-0 and 12-11 in extra innings. The girls battled back from being down 7-0 against Palestine.”
In tournament play, the Goats swept the Whitney tournament 5-0 and went 2-2 in the Gatesville tourney that was shortened by rain.
Varsity players consist of Shortstop Molly Clay, Infielder/Outfielder/Center Makayla Sikes, second Basewoman Carley Rand, Center Abby Johnson, first Basewoman Emma Samford, Infielder Amiah Dunn, Pitcher/Third Baseman Emily Rader and Addy Rich, and Outfielders Breann Bradley, Cameryn Ward, Reece Champion and Kennedy Cox.
Junior varsity players were Elly Beldin, Marlee Price, Riley Dobson, Emily Chiglo, Jaci Jo Henderson, Aly Loftice and Miah Alvarado for the 2019-2020 school year.
From #6, Abby Johnson:
Tell us your future plans. Are you attending college? If so, where? Other plans/work opportunities?
As of right now, I plan to attend Navarro College to get my associates in nursing then move to Houston to get my Bachelors in oncology.
Favorite part of Groesbeck ISD/Goat Athletics?
My favorite part about being in Goat athletics is how we all became a family. My favorite softball memory is from last year when Breann, Carley and I decided to “jump rope” with the water hose and my legs got caught in the hose and I fell.
How do you feel about the changes due to COVID-19?
I am really sad that COVID-19 took my senior year away. I wish we could play at least one more game. Something I have learned from high school is time management which will be beneficial for the rest of my life.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Hopefully in the next 20 years, I will have a job as an Oncology Nurse in Houston.
What’s your message to the community/younger players/parents? A message for my younger
A message for my younger teammates would be not to take this time for granted. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for everything they have done for me. They have pushed me to be the best I could be and I am so grateful.
From #3, Makayla Sikes:
Tell us your future plans. Are you attending college? If so, where? Other plans/work opportunities?
I am attending Blinn College for two years and then transferring to Texas A&M University to finish my Bachelor’s degree in business.
Favorite part of Groesbeck ISD/Goat Athletics? Favorite softball memory?
My favorite part about Goat Athletics is being a family. Everyone was always uplifting and had good spirit in one another. My favorite softball memory is at the Gatesville Tournament my senior year. We were chilling on the bus watching little kids at recess and comparing them to our younger years.
How do you feel about the changes due to COVID-19?
It is very frustrating.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Having a husband, kids a good job that I love and a fun life.
What’s something you learned in high school that you will use for the rest of your life?
Never judge someone too quickly and always be careful of who you trust.
What’s your message to the community and/or younger players/parents?
Give it your all, don’t give up and love each other like family. Thank you for supporting me through everything and always pushing me. I love you.
From #10, Kennedy Cox:
Tell us your future plans. Are you attending college? If so, where? Other plans/work opportunities?
I’m attending college at Bossier Parish Community College to play softball and study kinesiology.
What was your favorite part about Goat Athletics and being a part of the program? Favorite softball memory?
My favorite part about Goat Athletics is the relationships I made with my teammates and coaches. We made so many good memories together and got to play the sports we loved together. Being a Goat made me who I am today. My favorite softball memory is Breann and I doing celebratory dances after each out.
How do you feel about the changes due to COVID-19?
These changes caused by COVID-19 have definitely impacted my senior year for the worse because I would love to play just one more game with my girls. I can confidently say that I didn’t take one moment with this team for granted. I loved every minute of this short season.
What’s something you’ve learned in high school that you will use for the rest of your life?
One major thing I’ve learned is that you have to adapt to change if you want to or not. God wouldn’t put you through anything he didn’t think you could handle.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
I see myself being a successful physical therapist, mother and wife.
What’s your message to the community and/or younger players?
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful culture this year. This program has changed for the better. The only thing I would say Is to support each other more (boys and girls athletics). The day the two programs learn how to get along and support one another is the day Groesbeck is unstoppable.
Any message to your parents or family?
Mom and dad, thank you for putting up with me and allowing me to play the sport I love all these years. For taking me to every select tournament you could, to watching me every Tuesday and Friday night for the past 4 years. I love y’all so much, thank you for everything y’all do for me. I truly appreciate it. Also, thanks Kuper for sometimes being nice to me. Love you.
From #17, Emily Rader:
Tell us your future plans. Are you attending college? If so, where? Other plans/work opportunities?
I will be attending Cisco College.
What was your favorite part about Goat Athletics and being a part of the program? Favorite softball memory?
My favorite part of Goat Athletics is that we are all a family. Favorite softball memory would have to be the bus ride to Axtell.
How do you feel about the changes due to COVID-19?
It’s been a big change, but it’s all about keeping our community safe and healthy.
What’s something you’ve learned in high school that you will use for the rest of your life?
You can do anything but not everything.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
In 20 years, I hope to have a job I love, living somewhere I have always wanted to live.
What’s your message to the community and/or younger players?
Don’t let a coach tear you down. Do everything like it’s the last time you will ever do it.
Any message to your parents or family?
I would just like to thank my parents and family, I would not be the person I am today without them. They have supported me with everything that I’ve done, I can not thank them enough.