As the Anderson Softball season draws to a close, the three seniors took the opportunity to share their thoughts, memories, and future plans. Although the team was young this year, with seven underclassmen, the graduating class has been critical to leading the team and advising the younger players. This season, the three seniors are Lila Harrell, Leti Paiz, and Emily Castro.
Lila Harrell has been playing softball since she was six and was introduced to playing catcher at age ten. She explained how much she loves being a catcher because “[she] is involved in every single pitch,” which limits boredom during games. Lila is not only great on defense, but she’s also a reliable batter, with two home runs on the season so far. As a senior, Harrell has had two coaches at Anderson: Gephart and Rodriguez. Coach Gephart ran the softball program two years ago, and Lila described him as “encouraging and nice.” Prior to the 2022 season, Coach Rodriguez replaced Gephart and took charge of the team, “raising the expectation and intensity” around Anderson Softball. Harrell explained that she wasn’t “sure what to expect” from Coach Rod but was pleased to find she is energetic and upbeat. Despite Coach Rodriguez being a significant part of the program, the positive atmosphere around the team would not be possible without the players. Harrell loves “spending time with her teammates” and “laugh[ing] and talk[ing] a lot with them” because they create a fun and enjoyable energy. She will attend Texas Tech in the fall, although many people have been speculating whether she will walk on for the Red Raiders. Lila denied this rumor and said she “will miss everything about the game” when she goes to college.
Another senior, Leti Paiz, has been a vital part of Anderson Softball over the last four years. A favorite memory she shared was when she “hit a double to tie up the game” against Lockhart. The matchup Paiz referenced was played in March of 2022 when the Lady Trojans were down by two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Her hit knotted the game at five at the top of the sixth where Anderson rallied and scored another three runs, taking the hard-fought win over the Lady Lions, 8-5. She regularly catches pop flies as a center fielder and is “the leader of the outfield,” but she occasionally enters the pitcher’s circle to face batters. Leti is a strong hitter, with three homers this season and is one of the few players with home runs this year. Coach Rodriguez has been an influential coach for Paiz, rekindling her love for softball and encouraging her to continue playing. Paiz explained that she’ll miss the “fun and positive atmosphere” that makes the Anderson Softball program special. Leti will continue her education at Austin Community College, where she plans to major in nursing.
Last but not least, Emily Castro is finishing her final season with Anderson Softball. Castro plays first base and loves how “it is important” and “lets her show off [her] stretches if it is a close play.” First base is a challenging position that keeps players on their toes throughout the game. It will be tough to replace Emily since she has been the team’s go-to first basewoman, but that position is going to have to be filled by an underclassman. Similar to Paiz, Castro loved the Lockhart game because “everyone put their all in” against Anderson’s biggest competition. She noted it was even better because “[they] beat [Lockhart] at their home,” something the Lady Trojans had been preparing to do all season. Part of what contributed to this win was Anderson’s spirit with all their “laughs and giggles,” something Emily explained she will miss when she goes to college. After high school, Castro plans to attend ACC and major in psychology.
There is no doubt the seniors of Lady Trojan Softball will be missed. They have grown immensely in the program, going from less experienced freshmen to seasoned seniors. Losing them will be a hurdle that the team must overcome, but there is no doubt they will acquire exceptional players to fill their position in the seasons to come.
