Playing a sport can be such a rewarding experience. From the relationships people form to the life lessons they learn, any sport can be an enriching experience, no matter someone’s age.
For senior Allee Autry, she knew just how worthwhile a sport can be. She has been a Cabot Lady Panther varsity softball starter for all three years of high school and planned to start varsity in her senior season.
Autry has been playing softball since the moment she could hold a bat and throw a ball. Her softball journey started early.
“Since I was four years old, I have been playing softball,” Autry said. “I liked the competitive aspect of the game and the friendships I made.”
Even though Autry played other sports growing up, like basketball, she knew exactly what sport she would end up playing in the long run.
“I did play other sports growing up,” Autry said. “However, I knew that softball was the sport I loved the most, and I wanted to stick with it for as long as I could.”
Since Autry chose to stick with softball, she was given multiple opportunities to play in different positions. Once she hit the outfield, she automatically knew that was where she wanted to be.
“When I first started playing center field, I knew I was going to play there full-time,” Autry said. “I like being the last line of defense and the pressure that comes with it; I’ve always loved a challenge.”
Center field, like all the outfield positions, is hard to play. The outfield is the last line of defense; if the ball goes behind the outfield, the runner will be able to advance the bases faster than they would if the ball stayed in the infield. Autry knew just how dedicated you have to be for this position, and used this to her advantage.
“We have to know where to throw the ball at all times,” Autry said. “The ball can go anywhere, so it’s very important to play with knowledge about the game.”
Softball was a sport of change. Your friendships, teammates, and teams as a whole would constantly be changing. For Autry, she knew what was in store when she joined the sport.
“Over the years, I have played for Crushers, Panther Elite, Sluggers, Iowa Premiere, and finally Prime, which is the team I play for currently,” Autry said.
Even though Autry has played for multiple teams throughout her career, one stood out to her more than the rest.
“Iowa Premiere had the biggest impact on me,” Autry said. “Everyone was always in a good mood, and we were all so close with one another.”
While travel softball was a huge part of a young player’s life, high school ball was where your skills were put to the test. Autry, who tried out for the team her 8th-grade year, knew how hard it was to make the team.
“There was a lot of pressure because the stakes were so high,” Autry said. “I ended up
making the team, and I’m so glad I did.”
After a player makes a high school team, the real work begins. High School seasons are significantly more rigorous than a travel season would be, and Autry couldn’t wait.
“The coaches, Coach G, Coach Tori, and Coach Cope have always helped me through my years here, including my teammates,” Autry said. “Being on this team has brought me such great friendships, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Autry didn’t know just how close this team would get. To her, her teammates are more than just friends; they’re family.
“We are all really close, on and off the field,” Autry said. “We all have great senses of humor, and we have a lot in common.”
Though friendships were a big part of softball, so is winning games. Cabot Softball was known for being one of the most successful teams on the Cabot High School campus, and Autry loved it.
“I always love a good competition,” Autry said. “I’m constantly competing for a spot, and I love playing rival teams like Conway and Bryant.”
After high school, many athletes wouldn’t continue their sport any further. Autry, however, loved the sport so much that she decided to further her athletic career in college.
“I am committed to play softball at Three Rivers in Missouri,” Autry said. “I love the coach and the school, and the softball program is great.”
Since Three Rivers is a JUCO school, only two years of softball playing time will be available for Autry. Though she would have to transfer out, she already had a plan.
“After Three Rivers, I will transfer out to a four-year school where I will get my Bachelor’s degree to go to med school,” Autry said. “I hope to continue my softball journey at this new school as well.”
College was just the future, however. Autry was only focused on what her senior season would bring. With the first pitch of the season coming up fast, Autry couldn’t wait to see what her team could do.
“My biggest goal for this season is to make it to state,” Autry said. “It’s my senior season, so I want to enjoy the time I have left.”
Though the season was just starting, Autry could not wait to see what the future held for her. However, she will miss some people back in Cabot.
“I’m going to miss my teammates the most,” Autry said. “I have a strong bond with all of them, so it will be hard to say goodbye.”
The Cabot Softball season starts on February 24 with a benefit game against the Beebe Badgers. Players like Autry cannot wait to see the work and effort they have been putting into the offseason come into play.
