Trinity first baseman adjusts to game

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Amanda Wright likes to be involved in a lot of plays when it comes to playing softball.

The senior got those opportunities on the diamond as Trinity Lutheran’s regular first baseman the past four years.

“I feel like I get involved in all the plays, at least all the infield plays, so I like that,” she said.

Wright said she felt  comfortable catching low throws in the dirt, as well as being able to backhand hard hit balls to her left.

She said communication is a key to playing strong defense.

“Everybody has their own job, so if a bunt is laid down I have to go up and help get it, and the second baseman covers first,” Wright said. “So if the ball is hit on the left side of the field, the second baseman has to cover the base.

The fly balls that are hit over my head or behind me, normally the second baseman or right fielder will come and get. If they’re going to call it out then they should get it because if the ball drops I would be the one to cover first.”

Wright hit fourth for the Cougars and said she liked to take the ball to right-center.

She said she can adjust to inside pitches and hit them to left field.

“On the first pitch, if it’s right down the middle, I’m going to hit it,” Wright said. “I like pitches waist-high and I like them a little bit outside, too. I really just try to put the ball in play, and then I’m a power hitter so they just go out.”

This year, Wright had hit three home runs, including a grand slam against Scottsburg.

This past season, Wright also served as a team captain.

She said she played travel ball for the Seymour Flames earlier in her career, and other teams more recently, and mentioned that was an interesting experience.

“We definitely played better competition,” Wright said “Playing league teams you don’t normally get the best competition so then you have to play travel to get the full experience of facing good pitching and stuff.”

Wright said she believes teams can’t get down mentally if mistakes are made during games.

“The mental part is really important. You always have to believe in yourself,” Wright said. “If you don’t believe in yourself there’s really no point in playing because you’re not going to depend on your hands to do the work. You have to want to do it, too.”

Wright said the home games were her favorite.

“I love the home games,” Wright said. “It’s harder for the parents to travel to the away games. A lot of our fans come to the home games, and it’s good to have fans support you and to be there cheering for you.”

Wright said her highlight was helping the Cougars win the West Washington Sectional last year, and her biggest highlight this year was hitting the grand slam home run over the fence in left-center.

She said she thinkis she has received a good education at Trinity.

“I like the Lutheran atmosphere, and how you can express your faith through anything,” she said. “Like if we’re watching a movie or something’s you can talk about it and put your faith into it and express everything. For a small school there’s a lot of things to do.

“I’m going to remember the fiends I’ve made most. There’s nothing like the bond you have with your teammates on the field. That’s what I’m going to miss the most.”

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Name: Amanda Wright

School: Trinity Lutheran High School

Parents: Mike and Stacy Wright

Siblings: Kaitlyn, Michael

Sports: Softball, four years, soccer, one year

Organizations: Dance committee, student ambassador, school musicals, choir

Plans after high school: Attend Indiana University Purdue University Columbus, transfer to IUPUI to become event planner

Favorite food: Ice cream

Favorite TV show: “Reba”

Favorite musician: Thomas Rhett

Favorite movie: “The Wedding Planner”

Favorite team, athlete: Cincinnati Reds, Zach Cozart

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