By: Ana Ruggles
A softball pitch can reach up to speeds as fast as 70 miles per hour, but from the perspective where the bright green ball lies in the pitcher’s hand, they have half a second to react to the fast swish they hear from the ball being pitched.
Kelsey Mersman is a quick-thinking player who excels in the pitching aspect of softball. Kelsey is a skillful player who asserts her dominance not only on the diamond but within her team, making her a lethal part of the softball program.
Kelsey is more than a player, she is a teammate who helps encourage the team, win or lose. One of her teammates, Maleena Luckadoo, describes her as “encouraging and a fearless” player on and off the field, which is predominantly true. She is a witty player who is always one step ahead of the other team.
Kelsey has been playing softball all her life, and her passion is evident in everything she does. She is constantly practicing all year round, dedicating countless hours to improve herself, as she is in club teams leading up to her school season. She is a very hard worker who is planning on playing softball in college. “I’ve committed to GRCC and can’t wait to play there,” says Kelsey, excited to continue her own path of greatness. She has grown not just as a player but as a leader for her teammates.
Kelsey has been a pitcher for 7 years, her teammates encouraging her by “telling me I’m doing good and making players for me in the field.” The support she receives from her team helps her lead them to greatness and helps her accomplish many things, such as throwing a no-hitter last softball season.
When Kelsey is stressed for a big game, she “stays calm and trusts in my abilities and God.” We can see how this impressive athlete has to overcome a lot of stress, and we can see her maturity shining through her with the way she is able to calm herself down and listen to nothing but the confidence she has instilled in herself and her teammates.
Kelsey has made history in the softball program and is going to continue to do so in her senior year and in college as well. Hamilton Softball is lucky to have her and hopes to see her go far in her softball career, seeing as she has exceeded the expectations of many softball players.