“She’s a small package at just 5-1, but she plays like she’s six feet tall or more.”

Those are the words of Porum High School softball coach Keely Hallman as she describes senior RiLee Miller.

“She’s the best kind of kid you could want on your team. She’s a four-year starter who is a good leader, good athlete and always has a good attitude. She’s a consistent hitter, right now hitting in the .400s, as well as a good base runner and she’s gained so much more confidence at the plate over the last year. She’s the best leader I’ve had by far. She plays outfield for the most part in slow pitch and has been our primary pitcher in fast pitch though this year we were blessed to have several good arms and so she got to play more in the outfield which is her true position.”

Miller reciprocates the kind words as she talks about her role model.

“Coach Hallman has always been someone I’ve looked up to. She played center field in college and since that’s where I play in slow pitch, I admired that.”

Miller got her start in softball at about age six and even then, her height was somewhat of a challenge.

“Some of my friends started to get a team together and so I decided to play. My knee socks came up to my hips,” she laughed.

Besides softball, RiLee is busy with other activities as well. She plays guard for the Lady Panthers basketball team, is valedictorian of her class, is in National Honor Society, FCA, FCCLA and student council as well showing hogs in FFA. She sees her role as a senior leader as one of staying positive.

“I like to stay positive and pumped up for my team because I feel like we all stay on top if I stay on top and don’t show weakness or negativity. I think my mom had a lot to do with that philosophy because she’s always been strong and showed me how to be a well-rounded individual. When I leave Porum, I’d like to be remembered as a positive role model and a good leader for our young players.”

Next up for RiLee will be Connors State to get an associate degree before going to stenography school and she says she’s undecided about trying to play softball in college at this point.