up,” she said. “You never wanted to be last.” Her dad coached her from the beginning, teaching her everything he knew. Her mom’s role was just as important, supporting her emotionally, mentally, and in the day-to-day grind of being an athlete. a coach and a mentor, always pushing her to be better, even when it wasn’t easy. “He was tough on me,” Sidney said, “but he always congratulated me, too.” Her mom, Denise, is her closest friend, the one she turns to for laughter, perspective, and encouragement. And her younger sister, Shelby, though still in middle school, keeps the family full of personality and energy. Both Sidney and Tori have learned how to turn adversity into moti- vation. Sidney’s freshman season was nearly lost after a back injury kept her from hitting most of the year. But she fought her way back just in time to make an impact during the Final Four. Tori played through a broken thumb during her sophomore season, taping it up in December. Both showed a toughness that earned them the re- spect of teammates and coaches alike. and 2nd Team All-Region honors for her performance in the out- the plate, was named to the Academic All-State team and earned But ask either of them about awards, and they’ll redirect the con-
versation to the team. “The joy of softball is all the friendships,” Sid- ney said. “That’s what makes the game fun.” For Tori, it’s also about the memories she’s made growing up in the sport. “I literally grew up at the ballpark. It always felt like home.” small town, it was a big moment, and one that won't be forgotten. are focused on cherishing every moment. Sidney’s goal is simple: to is looking to compete hard, lead well, and soak up the time with her teammates.
When it’s all over, Sidney plans to use her A+ scholarship to at- tend college, though she’s still undecided on where or what she’ll study. Tori plans to study health science after high school. Neither wants to be remembered just for what they did on the
me as someone who made others feel welcomed,” Sidney said. Tori added, “I hope people know I gave it everything I had for the team, the game, and the people I love.”
Show-Me Sports /// 93
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