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The AA Westman Storm are heading to Brandon for a big Showcase event and one of their star players, Emerson Kempthorne, says the group is ready to impress.
"The girls, they're all really good people," Kempthorne says when talking about why this year has been so special. "We have great coaches, too. Everyone works hard and wants to be there. Everybody fits into their roles on the team perfectly."
A trademark for this group is just how close they are and Kempthorne says it's been great building friendships over the years as well as welcoming new girls into the circle. "It's been really easy, a lot easier than I thought it would be. Everyone has great attitudes. We all kind of knew each other but now we're a lot closer since we've been playing together."
Winning helps that, and this Storm team has won a lot. "I feel like we're good everywhere," Kempthorne says proudly. "When you're pitching and the ball goes into the field, you just know they're going to field it. When someone is up to bat, you're never down, you believe in everyone and they can get the job done. We're a well rounded team."
Being a competitive person, Kempthorne says it's been amazing to be surrounded by like-minded teammates. "It feels really good," she says with a smile. "We're all hyping each other up, hyping ourselves up, nobody pushes someone down. We're always focused on the game and the job we have to do."
That competitive streak goes back to the start of Kempthorne's ball career. "I played tee-ball when I was younger, like most people did. I played house league for a couple years, then I spent a year with the (Westman) Magic, which I really liked, but I didn't get to pitch. So I came back to play house league and then this year, I'm in AA. I love it because I get to pitch, in AAA, I didn't get to pitch."
Kempthorne has a great grasp on the pitching side of things and says it's not just physical. "It's really easy to get into your own head sometime," the 14-year-old explains. "You have to push those thoughts away and just focus on throwing that next pitch. Knowing you have a good team behind you that can make a play if they do hit the ball, that's huge."
Having the ball on the mound can be a stressful place, but Kempthorne, who's set to turn 15 in November, says knowing her teammates are supporting her means the world. "It means a lot, there's a lot less pressure. You feel okay that if you throw a less than great pitch and they hit it, your team is going to be there to back it up."
This upcoming weekend, the team is off to Brandon and Kempthorne says the group is thrilled. "We're so excited. We haven't lost this year and we're planning on keeping that going. It's going to be really fun and I'm looking forward to the weekend with the girls."
Getting the opportunity to play some new teams is exciting, although Kempthorne says she doesn't mind having a bit of a scouting report on teams they've faced before. "Sometimes when you play teams you've never played before, you get to kind of see what other places sports are like. But when you're facing teams you've played before, it's easier because you know their strengths and weaknesses. Both are great."
The future is bright for Kempthorne but when it comes to scholarships or thinking about school programs, she's happy to live in the moment right now. "I've thought about it but I feel like I've just been focused on my team for now."
No matter where she goes, Kempthorne says she'll always know her family is there watching and cheering, something she cherishes. "My family is great. They come and practice with me whenever I need them to, they love the sport as well. It's easy to relate to them through that love of ball. They're always at my games, it's really, really great."
The Storm will look to keep that really, really great season going this weekend .