Plant City Little League’s Senior softball team found itself losing, 9-1, early in its championship game May 17, against Polk City. They ended up winning, 19-9, thanks to a bunch of offensive opportunities and great pitching from Emily Thompson. She didn’t allow a single earned run in the game and shut enough batters down to allow her teammates to make a rally.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m 15, and I’m a freshman at Florida Virtual School. I’ve been playing softball since I was five, and with Plant City Little League for the past two years. Before that, I lived in Georgia.
Just the other day, your team won the championship game. How did you do?
I did pretty good. I used my drop ball and my splitter a lot, and they were working for me.
Where do you go from here?
We’re going to the Tournament of Champions, which I think is in Haines City. It’s in two weekends.
What was the key to winning this last game?
Working together as a team. At the beginning, we were losing. But, we held together, stayed strong, and we pulled it out.
When did the momentum change?
We just realized that we were still in the game, and that we had to keep working hard to get a win.
What are some of your hobbies outside of softball?
I did play basketball, but I don’t anymore. I like to hang out with friends, that’s pretty much what I do.
What’s your favorite food?
Pizza. My favorite topping is pepperoni.
What’s your favorite movie?
“Facing the Giants.” It’s a football movie. It’s a Christian movie, and they’re not giving up. The team, they’re going to the championship, and it’s about their faith in God.
Who are some of your favorite athletes?
Jenni Finch.
What’s your favorite softball team?
Alabama and Florida. Alabama, I grew up with their old catcher — Kendall Dawson. My sister played with her.
You’re from Georgia, but you’re a Gator fan?
Yeah. Well, I was born in Florida and moved to Georgia.
If you could have any superpower for the day, what would it be and what would you do?
I would be invisible, and just see what everyone’s doing.
If you could play for any softball team, on any level, what would it be?
Alabama. That’s where I want to go. I wouldn’t mind going to Florida, either. After college, I want to play for Team USA.