Allie Reynolds

Joining a high school sports team as a freshman can be a daunting experience, but it also offers opportunities for personal growth, friendship, and dedication. For many, it’s about more than just the sport; it’s about learning how to work as a team and balancing the demands of practice and social life. Freshman Gabby Storey, a member of the JV softball team, reflects on how much being part of the team has impacted her life, both on and off the field.
Storey, who plays as number 15 on the team, was introduced to softball at a young age.
“At first, it was just for fun, and now it’s my life. I started playing softball when I was 9 years old and immediately fell in love with it,” says Storey.
This early passion for the sport laid the foundation for her continued involvement, leading her to the JV team as a freshman.
Softball is not just a casual hobby for Storey; it has become a major commitment. The JV softball team practices every day after school, with occasional Fridays off.
“Meeting all these people has made a huge impact on me because they’re all like family and mean a lot to me,” Storey explains.
The sense of belonging and camaraderie is one of the key aspects that has shaped her experience.
Despite the close-knit feel of the team, navigating relationships with teammates isn’t always smooth sailing.
“I may not be on the best terms with some of the girls, but I won’t let that get involved with the team,” says Storey.
This demonstrates her maturity and ability to compartmentalize personal differences for the greater good of the team.
In addition to overcoming challenges, Storey has formed meaningful friendships, especially with freshman Mckenna Jonas, a fellow JV player. Her ability to maintain positive relationships and focus on the team’s success is something Storey values deeply.
“I find it easy to make friends with people. I’m very open-minded and am not worried about what people will think about me,” shares Jonas.
This openness has helped her forge strong bonds with many of her teammates.
As for her future in softball, Storey is uncertain but open to the idea of playing at the college level.
“If I can get a scholarship, I would be interested in going to college for softball, and if not, then I will just go to college without softball,” says Storey.
While she isn’t committed to the idea yet, the possibility of continuing her passion at a higher level remains a consideration.
Softball, like any sport, requires both physical and mental endurance. For Storey, one of the easiest parts of being on the team has been making friends, while the hardest part is the need to work together as a cohesive unit.
“Coming together as a team and us all getting along and being able to trust each other on the team is the hardest part,” Storey explains.
This highlights the challenges of teamwork, especially for young athletes learning to function as part of a larger group.
In the end, being on the JV softball team has provided Storey with much more than athletic skills. It has taught her the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and maintaining relationships, even when challenges arise. As Storey looks ahead, she knows that these lessons will carry with her, both on and off the field. Whether she pursues softball at the collegiate level or not, the experiences she’s gained will stay with her for years to come.