By Chris Cox
Reese Herring, like most students in Dale, has grown up on the diamond.
“Both of my older brothers played baseball,” she says. “Growing up, I always went to their baseball games, and I always knew I wanted to play softball when I got to be old enough. I think I was about four years old when I started playing.”
Herring loves competing and wants to help keep the championship standard that has been set at Dale but, for her, softball is about building relationships on and off the diamond.
“I love the feeling of when the game is intense and close and you can make big plays to help your team out,” she says. “I also love just being there for my teammates and having that family and those friendships. I like building friendships and making lifetime friendships from softball.”
Being a sophomore for this Dale squad, Herring is a position where she can grow into a leadership role over the next couple of years. Part of growing into a leadership role is showing good character on and off the field and being a good example for the freshmen.
“I try to be coachable from the seniors and juniors,” she says. “I try to lead the freshmen as well. The seniors need help leading, and that’s not a bad thing. So, I try to help the freshmen like the older girls helped me. Your teammates aren’t just people you play softball with, they’re your best friends and people you are with the most.”
Reese says she that the Oklahoma Sooners softball team is a good example of what she wants her teams to look like.
“You can tell that they all love each other and have a really good bond,” she says.
On the diamond Herring has some very tangible goals she wants to achieve this year.
“I want to lay down a bunch of bunts,” Herring says. “I know that’s what Coach Powell expects of me. I also want to play better at 3rd.”
Like most Dale athletes, Herring is a two-sport athlete playing guard for the Lady Pirates basketball team. Following high school, Herring wants to continue playing softball but also knows recognizes that doing that is easier said than done.
“If that’s not God’s plan for me then I want to go to nursing school and become a CRNA.”
