Adoree Gardner, Donegal, senior, catcher, corner outfield, will major in nursing at Alvernia College and play field hockey in the fall before deciding whether to also play softball
How did you get started playing softball and what has that journey been like?
Gardner: I played baseball for three years for the boys Donegal team because my brothers played and I wanted to play. And I liked the overthrowing pitches and just the atmosphere of baseball. For high school, there was so many boys trying out for baseball, and I was like, I'm not going to try out because there were 60 and only 20 spots. So I was like, and they're going to let a girl take another guy's spot. So I helped coach my dad freshman year, and it was like, I missed this, so I tried out sophomore year for softball. And I've played ever since then.
What was that like, being the only girl on the team?
Gardner: It was definitely a little intimidating, but I had fun. I was always the one shouting out plays and yelling compared to the boys, but I've enjoyed it. All of the adults and parents were like, we love Adoree because she just sits there and yells and you know what's happening in the game. And I still do that. I'm always like the loudest one there at the softball or field hockey field. Doesn't matter if I'm out on the field or in the dugout getting ready to bat.
Do you prefer field hockey over softball, or is it just that it comes first in the season that you're playing it in college?
Gardner: I've played field hockey for about 10 years, so it's been my first sport. And I do love the game, I really do, and then it would just be great to play softball as well, if I could in college level. But I would definitely say field hockey is my first sport.
How would you compare and contrast the game of field hockey with softball?
Gardner: It is definitely still a team sport. Everyone has a part and is accountable for what they do, like field hockey does. You can't play by yourself out on that field, but I feel like it is almost a little bit of a one sport for softball, because it is just you hitting or it is you making that play to get that person out. Obviously, you need someone else to catch the ball at first, but when you're in that box, it's kind of you and the pitcher and the catcher and that ball. So I definitely say your teammates don't matter at that point. Yeah, I have to be ready to hit that ball, because if I don't, I'm not moving my team around.
How many siblings do you have, and how do they affect your softball?
Gardner: I have two younger siblings than me, Zane Gardner and Nolan Gardener, two brothers, both younger than me. They both wrestle. My brother, actually Zane, just went out to states this weekend, and he got like 16th out of the state. But they come and cheer me on. They also have done baseball. So they kind of understand the game and the like how it's played, and they show up to my softball games, too.
What are you excited about with this year's team?
Gardner: I think we have a very good group of girls. I feel like there will be a lot of having fun, but also serious, focused moments, and it will be definitely a team effort. I think we have very good outfielders. We have very good batters, and just the team vibe is also very good. We have a lot of freshmen, but I feel that they'll connect with our older group of girls,
And do you have goals for the season?
Gardner: I'm wanting to make it to playoffs. I definitely know that I want to be able to get on. My main goal is I'll be able to hit the ball or get on base every single time I'm at the bat. Even if I get out, but I made a contact hit, that's all that matters -- if I could bring someone in, or I could move people around.
So what is your favorite part of the game?
Gardner: I definitely have to say the cheering. I love getting loud and hearing the walk-up songs, and just like being with my group of girls and having fun with them. I mean, it's definitely fun. Also the competitive nature, I'm very competitive. I do like winning, but then I also do like the team vibe. That's what you're making your memories at.
Some fun questions. What did you learn in class last week?
Gardner: I actually go to Lancaster Career and Technology Center, and we were out on clinicals. So I got to understand the medical unit Thursday and Friday. So that was definitely fun. Get to understand job shadow there.
And what do you have coming up this week?
Gardner: I have a debate coming up in English class, and then I have a test on the skeletal system in my CTC class. So definitely two, one debating and another big test I've got to study for.
Do you have a quote or a motto that inspires you or lifts you up when you need it?
Gardner: My baseball coach, every time before we would go out, he always would say, go have fun. Like, yes, you can, like, you can't get so wrapped up in your head because sometimes it's almost a mental game of if you're going to hit or if you're not. But always hearing him say, go out there and play. Basically, go out there and do your best and remember to have fun out there and not just focus on everything. Look up all that's happening and find the joy in that.
Do you have a song you know every word to?
Gardner: I do. All the lyrics to "Baby Got Back." I do. So definitely we'll have that in our playlist, and we will definitely be singing that on the bus. I definitely know that, maybe during warm up, but I don't know, but I definitely know all the lyrics.
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