For Dale High School senior Khloe Jones, the final chapter of a lifelong softball journey is about appreciating every opportunity.
Jones, a center fielder for the Lady Pirates, grew up around the game. With a mother who coached softball and an older sister who played, softball was always part of her life.
“I’ve played softball my whole life because my mom was softball coach, and my older sister played so I was constantly around the sport.”
Now a senior, Jones brings speed, defense and experience to the Dale lineup. She said center field suits her strengths, even with the challenge of tracking deep fly balls near the fence.
“I play center field and the most difficult thing for me is probably just locating the fence when a deep ball is hit, but honestly I love every part of my position.”
Jones said her speed and defensive ability have come naturally, while she has put in extra work to improve offensively.
“My strength is my speed and defense. It’s something that’s kind of come naturally to me but offense hasn’t always and that’s definitely something I’ve had to work at a lot.”
The Lady Pirates’ team chemistry has made the experience especially meaningful for Jones. She said the group’s closeness creates an enjoyable and comfortable environment each day.
“This team is so special because we are seriously like a family. We are always laughing, and I truly feel so comfortable with every single person on the team!”
A state tournament loss last season provided Jones with an important perspective entering her final year. Dale was ranked No. 1, but the loss reminded her not to take the program’s success for granted.
“Last year I learned to not take anything for granted. We’ve been so blessed here at Dale, and last year was the first time I had lost in the state tournament in fast pitch. That sounds crazy to say and I feel so blessed but losing last year really sucked. We were ranked #1 and I think we just took it for granted. That’s taught me to make sure to be grateful for every opportunity and give everything I have every day especially because this is the last time I’ll get to do this.”
After graduation, Jones plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in nutritional sciences on a pre-med track.
