Not So Soft: Varsity Softball

NOT SO SOFT

HOW 14 GIRLS BECOME THE FOUNDATION OF TFS SOFTBALL

3 Allie Phasavang 6 Sarah Wilkinson 7 Tahj Charlton 8 Rylee Vandiver 9 Brianna Davidson 11 Breelyn Wood 12 Katie Anderson 13 Charlotte Stafford 16 Lizzy Wanner 24 Abby McCoy

MIDDLE SCHOOL

2 Lilliane Whittle 4 Gracie Gunter 5 Ellie Shaw 10 Handley James

It was only a matter of time before TFS officially launched a softball program. After more than a year of several students and families showing interest, the time was finally right to build the foundation. The addition of the softball program provides new opportunities for the students and enhances the landscape of TFS athletics. Building that foundation required the right people - someone to coach and lead the efforts, and students interested in the game.

Finding a coach was the easy part. Enter Danielle Bishop, who has racked up six years coaching at the varsity and JV level in fastpitch softball prior to coming to Tallulah Falls School ahead of the 2021-22 school year. She herself was a standout varsity player in high school, and played travel softball as well. She was eager to help build a solid foundation for a program that will hopefully soon be competing.

“Our amazing students were the driving force behind starting a softball program,” says Bishop. “I had expressed my interest in coaching softball to AD [Scott] Neal, and everything lined up perfectly. We had so much interest from the survey, it seemed to be natural for communication to flow.” Once word got out that a program was being built, many TFS students jumped at the opportunity to be a part of something historic and special.

“Students were so excited,” adds Bishop. “Girls came to my room every day and were asking about the program and what it would look like for them to join. The energy surrounding the launch was electric.”

Bishop spearheaded a summer camp, which featured Habersham County native and standout Mississippi State player Paige Cook who came to help train the players. That camp stands as a steppingstone for many players.

“It was an incredible experience that definitely spurred the excitement for a team, and helped many of our own players develop in their skills and knowledge of the game,” stated Bishop.

Both a high school and middle school team were established. On September 29, the high school team played an exhibition to a 10-10 tie in a 5-inning contest.

“Next season I am looking to have a full JV schedule, and the year after next would be our first varsity GHSA year,” forecasts Bishop.

A few of the many young athletes that comprise the roster have real game experience in softball. Both Katie Anderson and Tahj Charlton will be counted on for leadership from the get-go.

VARSITY SOFTBALL “Katie has played multiple years of competitive softball, and is definitely a strong leadership presence for our team,” said Bishop. “Tahj also has many years of experience, and contributes positively to team dynamics with her work ethic and dedication. I am so excited for the possibilities of this program and the future growth that we will be able to see for the individual players and our entire team.”

The program currently consists of 10 high schoolers and four middle schoolers. With each passing day, we get closer to the official first game. Until then, the girls will continue to work on honing their skills so that when the time comes to take the field, they’ll be more than ready to make some history.