Q&A with Katie Dempsey, BHS senior centerfielder
Q: How old were you when you started playing softball?
A: I started playing softball when I was 7 and played in the 8U youth league.
Q: Was there anyone special in your life that helped you become a great player?
A: Both of my parents always encouraged me and pushed me to always do my best.
Q: How do you get ready for a game?
A: To get ready for a game I always tried to relax my mind and not think too much about the game. If I think too much, I start to get nervous, and I play so much better when I feel relaxed.
Q: What do you like to do when you are not involved with softball?
A: When I am not involved with softball I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
Q: What factors do you feel have influenced you the most to become the player and person you are today?
A: I have had many great coaches over the years, and they have all had a major impact on the player and person I am today.
Q: Did you have any routines or superstitions before or in a game?
A: I didn’t necessarily have any routines, but I did always feel like I played better if I had eye black on.
Q: What is your favorite softball memory?
A: My favorite softball memory is definitely going to the state tournament the past two years. I made so many great memories that I will always remember.
Q: What softball player has influenced you most in the game? Why?
A: I don’t really have a player who has impacted me.
Q: What is the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome in your playing career?
A: The greatest obstacle that I had to overcome was that we had three different coaches in the past three years. While I loved all three of them, they each had very different playing styles that we as a team had to adapt to.
Q: What is life after being a softball player for you?
A: Life after being a softball player to me means it is time for college. It’ll be very different for me not having sports after all these years, but I will have plenty of studying to do to occupy my time.
Q: What are your thoughts on your season and career coming to an abrupt end?
A: It is very sad to think this is how my career had to end, especially knowing we had a chance to make a run at state this year. After being there the past two years and gaining valuable experience, I think we really had a good shot at a state championship.
