As high school athletes mature, aspects of their game change. Often times it shows up in their physical abilities to run or hit a ball or throw a pass. But sometimes it shows up in the mental and leadership aspects of taking on responsibility and that has been the case for Spiro junior Desirae Reed, winner of the VYPE Three Rivers Fans Choice slow pitch softball poll.
“I’ve been coaching Desirae since eighth grade and she’s always been a great hitter and defensive player for us but this year I think the biggest improvement I’ve seen has been in her mental approach and accepting of a leadership role,” said slow pitch coach Stephanie Tobey. “She plays third base for us which means a lot of balls are hit her way and she’s not going to make every play. It used to be that if she made an error, she would get mad at herself and go into the dugout and sulk. But this year with just one senior on the team she’s stepped into more of a leadership spot and now if she makes an error, she’s better able to shake it off and if others make errors, she’s shouting words of encouragement to them and in the dugout she’s always up on the fence cheering her teammates on.”
Desirae says she started out playing T-ball young and then moved into competitive softball at around 10 when she really started loving the game. The last few years she has followed a college player that she says is a role model.
“I like to watch Grace Lyons of OU. I just like her drive for the sport, and I follow the OU team on social media,” said Reed who plays third base for the Lady Bulldogs. “Winning the softball poll this year means a lot to me and shows me I have a lot of supporters that believe in me.”
Desirae knows that she needed to step up this year as one of the more experienced players on the team and says her approach to leadership is pretty simple.
“I try to push my teammates to continually do better and help them stay motivated and up emotionally.”
Desirae’s story just goes to show that there’s more to contributing to team success than just getting bigger and stronger.
