Q&A with Shaylee Wieting, THS senior shortstop
Q: How old were you when you started playing softball?
A: I started playing when I was 12 years old.
Q: Was there anyone special in your life that helped you become a great player, and how?
Chris Scott, Clint Sikes and my dad, Rick Giesler. If it wasn’t for them, I would not be playing the sport I love today. They were my very first softball coaches and taught me all I know. They made me love the game.
Q: How do you get ready for a game?
A: I tried to keep my girls in the best of moods. We would dance and sing and play games, but when it was game time, we knew we had to be serious!
Q: What do you like to do when you are not involved with softball?
A: I love spending time with my family and friends and working on myself!
Q: What factors do you feel have influenced you the most to become the player and person you are today?
A: The losses throughout the years changed me mentally and physically. It taught me that when you’re put in any fight, it’s OK if you don’t win; learn from your mistakes and do better.
Q: Did you have any routines or superstitions before or in a game?
A: Every time I step on the field, I write my name on the first or third base line. I want everyone that is going to be going down the line to see my name and to remember me.
Q: What is your favorite softball memory?
A: Team bonding, for sure: when we went camping last year and when my 12U team won a state championship.
Q: What softball player has influenced you most in the game? Why?
A: Courtney Ceo. She played for Oregon and USSSA Pride. I loved watching her play because of the way she handles the situations she is put in. She makes it look easy!
Q: What is the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome in your playing career?
A: When I tore my right shoulder I had to teach myself how to throw left-handed so I still could play.
Q: What is life after being a softball player for you?
A: I’m heartbroken that my season is over. I never would have thought it would end that way. But I wish the best of luck to my fellow seniors and all the other seniors fighting this.
Q: What are your thoughts on your season and career possibly coming to an abrupt end?
A: Softball has taught me a lot about life, and I’m forever thankful, but there’s more to learn because my softball career is not over yet.
