Interview with SHS Softball Player Lizzy Davies

Welcome back to the Spring Edition of Off the Reels! This week, I am featuring a recent graduate of Springboro High School and a four year varsity player for the Panthers Softball team. 

Meet Springboro High School Softball Shortstop Lizzy Davies…

Softball story:

Lizzy just wrapped up her fourth year on the Varsity Softball team. This season, she played shortstop, at which she started 23 of 24 games. Lizzy concluded her final high school season with an on base percentage of 0.200 and the second most stolen bases on the team. But how did she get here? When Lizzy was seven years old, her parents signed her up for a recreational league, but she lost interest. Later, Lizzy and her father were watching college softball on TV, and this fueled her interest in the sport again. Before long, she was back out on the diamond.

What softball has taught Lizzy:

In successes, failures, practices, and everything in between, there are always lessons that sports teaches us. This was no different for Lizzy. Playing softball taught her about leadership, and she knows that she can be a more successful leader if she leads by example instead of through intimidation. Years of softball also taught Lizzy how essential it is that everyone on the team respects each other. Last but not least, Lizzy learned to own up to responsibility and to have a short memory. 

Lizzy’s favorite memory from her high school career:

When I asked her about her favorite memory from playing softball for the Panthers, Lizzy fondly recalled her sophomore season when the Panthers beat the Lebanon Warriors 7-6 to clinch the GWOC championship. 

Lizzy’s pre-game routine:

Lizzy is very superstitious, so she follows the exact same pre-game routine for every game. She wears her hair up the same way, she drinks the same energy drink, and she listens to the same playlist before stepping onto the diamond. Also prior to playing a game, Lizzy looks at a picture that she keeps with her. One of her younger sisters made it for her, and it says “good luck.” Lizzy told me that looking at this little picture reminds her that a game is just a game and that she should always go out on the field and have fun.

Something about softball that most people don’t know:

Softball is pretty foreign to me, so I’m really glad I had the opportunity to interview Lizzy, and I learned a lot, but I especially love this fun fact that Lizzy shared with me: it is just as hard to hit a baseball as it is a softball. A softball fastball is roughly equivalent to a baseball fastball.

What motivates Lizzy to play her best:

Lizzy’s greatest source of motivation is a good ol’ fashioned sibling rivalry. Her sister Riley plays on the Varsity Softball team as well, and this was the first season they played together in several years. Lizzy and Riley are so competitive with each other, and this always encouraged Lizzy to play her best. 

Lizzy’s plans after high school:

Lizzy graduated last month from Springboro High School, and she will attend the University of Cincinnati this fall where she is going to study Special Education.

Lizzy’s advice for softball players:

Lizzy has two pieces of advice for softball players and other athletes. First: “soak in every last second.” These words hold even more meaning coming from Lizzy who just finished her final high school season. It’s important to enjoy the moment. Lizzy also
said, “always remind yourself why you’re playing and why you love the sport that you’re playing.” This holds true for any athlete. After the best win or the worst loss, your love and passion for the sport should remain unwavering and be what keeps you balanced.