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One of the stars of the U15 Eastman Wildcats, Hannah Skrabek, was named the top pitcher of nationals, and the 14-year-old sensation is thrilled with the award, and very proud of the teams efforts which resulted in a top four finish.
Special accomplishments
"It was so amazing," Skrabek says with her trademark energy and big smile. "We were going up against the best teams and players in the country, and we did so amazing, for a small team from southeastern Manitoba."
Throughout the year, this group has been a special one, and Skrabek appreciated every moment going to battle with her teammates behind her. "It's been so incredible. We were playing our game, we were supporting each other, and we were having fun with it. A big thing is that we all love the game. We were playing so well, and it helps with how much we loved it."
Pulling for each other
A trademark of the Wildcats was that they wanted to succeed for the person next to them, something Skrabek says the team is like a family. "It's been incredible, I think a big part of sports, especially youth sports, is the connections you make, and the people you get to meet. I think that, yeah, we started off as just teammates, but these are friendships we will have for the rest of our lives."
Facing and beating the best
Skrabek says the level of competition was off the charts, and it brought out the best in the Wildcats. "It was something else. Everyone there was playing to the best of their abilities, and so were we. We played incredible defense all weekend, and our bats were pretty darn good. So, I think we rose to the occasion."
In the tournament, there were players that had represented Canada at major events, something Skrabek says motivated her to be at her best, and dream of representing her country one day. "I love playing softball, and I still have a long way to go. I want to continue my journey, hopefully playing for Team Canada someday, and playing for a college in the United States, that's the goal."
Award winning pitcher
On top of the team success, Skrabek also picked up some individual recognition. "I was awarded the top pitcher of the U15 AAA Canadian Championship," she says beaming with pride. "I mean, it was incredible, I know I've said that word a lot, but it really sums up the entire weekend. I'm so grateful for my coach for giving me the opportunity, and supporting me. He was incredible, and the whole team having my back, it means the world."
Pitcher by nature
Starting life on the mound came pretty naturally to the competitive Skrabek, who says it was a simple reason as to why she picked the position. "I mean, I've been pitching since a very young age, but I think I originally wanted to pitch just so I could hold the ball a little bit more than the other players. But now, I love the feeling have having control, getting to decide what I want to do, and I think that I've put a lot of work into it, and it's been a journey, but I want to continue that journey. I've been enjoying it."
Next year plans
Having gone all the way to nationals, Skrabek won't have a lot of time to rest, her mind is already focusing on next year. "I'll be playing Wildcats, I hope. I'll be going to tryouts in the fall, at least. I want to keep working throughout the winter to take the Wildcats even further next year."
Home support
With nationals being in Manitoba, many supporters made the trip out and for Skrabek and her teammates, that meant a great deal to them all. "It means so much, getting to see how much softball has grown in Manitoba, to the point that we can host, and have that much support, it's incredible. I hope that lots of young players were able to come out, see this level of ball, and hopefully be inspired them to want to be there one day themselves."
Inspiration is a two-way street
Being an inspiration to younger ball players is a real point of pride for Skrabek, who says she's looking up to older players who are taking their careers to the next level, and it drives her to achieve her dreams. "I mean, my dream is to represent Team Canada, and hopefully play Division 1 softball in the United States, as a pitcher, obviously."
Hannah Skrabek will take her skill set and amazing attitude back onto the mound for tryouts in a few weeks, as the Eastman Wildcats look to capture magic like they did this past year.