There were many reasons why Strawberry Crest pulled out a win against Oakleaf in the Friday, April 29, FHSAA softball regional finals: timely hitting, big defensive plays and solid pitching come to mind. About that last one: senior ace Scottie Todd showed off her versatility on the mound, dominating some innings and escaping jams in others. She even caught the final out.
Todd wins a $25 gift card from GNC at Walden Woods. She can pick up the gift card at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 1507 S. Alexander St. #103.
You got into some tight spots in the third and sixth innings, but you also managed to get yourself out of them. What did you tell yourself then to get focused?
I just kind of told myself that my team was behind me and, no matter what, I knew that we would come through and they would be there for me.
How did it feel to make the final out?
It was a relief for the game to be over, for the win to be locked in.
What’s been the most fun thing about this season, so far?
Probably just, after the wins, how we all run into one team hug. It’s a unified thing. It just feels really good to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
What will you major in next year?
I’m in between political science and economics. I don’t have to decide until the second semester of my sophomore year, so I’m just going to see what interests me more or possibly double major.
Is there any sport you’ve never tried, but always wanted to?
I think rowing crew, that’s something I’d want to try. We do the rowing machines a lot, and it seems like it would be fun.
Why did softball stick for you?
It’s more about being a team — it’s not an individual sport. I think that’s what did it for me.
When did you first know you wanted to pitch?
When I was in fourth grade I went to Newsome High School and saw a game, and I saw this girl pitching. She later became a huge part of my life, and she inspired me to be a pitcher.
How so?
She was a big role model for me, growing up. She went on to play college, and I got to know her better. Her name is Ashley Stubbs.
Let’s put you in her shoes. A fourth-grader comes up to you now and asks for advice on how to pitch better. What do you tell her?
I would say to stick with it. You have to decide early on if it’s something you want to do. It’s extra work. If you just stay with it, it’ll pay off.