Farmington Softball Girls finished on a fine season. The Softball Team came in second for the District Championship game despite a season full of ups and downs. The five seniors got a proper send-off on Thursday, October 10th at 4:00 pm at Randy Ragsdale Stadium. The Farmington Softball Girls played against Perryville. At the beginning of the game, all five seniors were celebrated at the Pitcher’s Circle.
When reflecting on the season, Emilee Gillam and Olivia Hartupee, along with Coach Lamb, are sad to see the season end and the seniors leave.
“My senior season has gone pretty good,” said Gillam. “I am sad that the season is ending, but it taught me a lot of lessons throughout the years and that time goes by very fast. Olivia Hartupee has strong bats hitting in the second and third lineup but we also have some power hitters such as myself and Kylen Knight who get the job done when needed. I have had one home run at the District Tournament against North County.”
“Senior season has gone pretty good so far with the girls we have, and considering how many seniors we’ve lost the past couple of years,” Hartupee expressed. “I believe that me and the team have had good hits this year but there is always room for improvement!”
The Senior Team Captain and Catcher, Olivia Hartupee, has been involved in Softball all four years of her high school career. She has made many memories throughout the years.
“I have been involved in softball since I was 12,” said Hartupee. “What I will miss most about high school softball is getting to make new friends with the underclassmen. My best memory with softball has been getting to build memories with some of my closest friends over the past three and four years. These friendships have spread outside of softball and I’m grateful for that.”
Hartupee shared her best memories she had experienced over the years and how these moments impacted her life personally.
“My favorite place that my team had traveled to would be the Jefferson City Tournament,” explained Hartupee. “We got to visit the Capital and do all kinds of fun things while we were also there playing softball. Softball has impacted my personal life in many ways but I would say the biggest impact it has had is getting me to come out of my shell and talk to more and more people.”
“Keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. Don’t let being put in a new position hold you back, do your best and have fun!” said Hartupee.
The Senior Third Baseman, Emilee Gillam had also been involved in softball for all four years of high school along with other experience in travel ball.
“I have been involved since I was about six,” said Gillam. “I played for local teams then I joined a travel team around eight years old. I grew and played for better teams and learned valuable lessons as I grew older. I stopped playing travel ball in my Sophomore year. My favorite team I have ever played for was Fury Fastpitch. Softball has impacted my life because it has taught me I have good leadership skills.”
Gillam expressed what she will miss the most about softball and how the schedule goes for the softball season.
“The friendships I’ve gained over time were with my teammates and we were on a consistent schedule,” Gillam said.“Every day after school from August to the middle of October, we also have summer camps and training throughout the summer and early mornings.”
Gillam shared her favorite place that she had traveled to with the team and how her memory of this moment will never be forgotten.
“My favorite memory is in my junior year going to the Jefferson City Tournament and staying in the hotel room with my best friends and us all having a memory that we will never forget,” Gillam said. “My favorite place was Jefferson City for sure!”
Gillam stated what team was her favorite to play against during her high school softball seasons.
“My favorite rival team we played against is Fredericktown Ladycats because we have played with many of them in our travel ball leagues. It’s fun to play with old friends.” Gillam said
“The 600 times we have been to Chick-fil-A” joked Gillam when asked what her favorite restaurant she has been to with her team.
“Don’t let the game define you but do your best for your teammates and be a team player and be positive girly!” said Gillam.
The Softball Coach, Michael Lamb says has been coaching Softball for seven years with experience of playing baseball when he was younger. Mr. Lamb is also an Art Teacher here in our Farmington Art Department. This is unfortunately Lamb’s last year being a Softball Coach and Art Teacher here at Farmington High School as he plans to retire this year.
“I’m too old for college, I’m searching for a retirement home soon and for the best deals in retirement home communities,” joked Coach Lamb. “Winning two district championships a few years ago,” said Coach Lamb when asked what his favorite memory with Softball was.
“Any town with a restaurant that Farmington doesn’t have!” said Coach Lamb when asked what his favorite place to travel to with his team was. Coach Lamb expressed that his favorite restaurant that he went to with the team was Chick-fil-A.
“The hot summer off-season workouts!!! Love them!!! and more sunburns that I’d like to admit.” Joked Lamb when asked how softball impacted his personal life and what he will miss the most about coaching softball.“The season is over in a blink of an eye! Enjoy it! You’re only young once! Play as much and as often as you can! Complete! Learn! Fall down, get back up! Thrive! Sweat! Get dirty! Hit, catch, throw, and repeat! Never give up! You only regret the things you don’t do! JUST DO IT!” said Lamb.
With the season over, these three have plans beyond their Farmington softball careers. Hartupee plans to attend Webster to continue her softball career while she also works to get her Doctorate in physical therapy. Gillam plans to attend Maryville to get her CPA and potentially become a successful business owner. Gillam says she will not be doing college softball as she wants to focus on her academics. Lambo plans to retire this year from Knights Softball and plans to move to Florida for retirement.
