When Emily Wethington steps up to the plate, she holds her hand out to the umpire and takes a couple of practice swings, just like any other player. But then she drags the end of her bat through the sand to make a cross and taps the center.
It's something she has done since she played at Scecina Memorial High School in New Palestine, Ind., where, among other accolades, she was a two-time, first-team all-state player.
Wethington went to Catholic school from kindergarten all the way through high school. Her faith is important to her and the pre-bat ritual is a small but important comfort.
It's a little reminder that he's always with me no matter what
Wethington said. It's just comfort.
This season, that comfort seems to be working well for the freshman.
She has appeared in 38 of the team's 43 total games this season, starting 32 times. When she's at the plate, she hits a .272 and leads the team with four home runs for the season. In the circle, she has a 2.59 ERA and 106 strikeouts, the most on the team. At first base, she holds a .968 fielding percentage with 118 putouts, third best on the team.
An April 12 game against Akron proved to be one of the many opportunities Wethington had to put up numbers all across the board.
Wethington got the start and pitched three innings, allowing just one hit and no runs. At the top of the fourth, senior Michelle Sauter ran out to take over duties in the circle for the Bobcats.
But that didn't mean Wethington was done ' far from it.
In the bottom of that inning, she singled and eventually scored. In the top of the fifth, she put her glove back on and jogged out to first base.
For Wethington, it was just another day at the field.
She's an integral part of the team coach Jill Matyuch said. She gives us a lot of options. G? If we have the ability to manipulate the lineup it helps you offensively.
Wethington said she knows the positions well, but never expected to play this big of a role on the team.
At this point everyone has the talent
Wethington said. It's just getting the mental game and getting the experience.
Matyuch said that she only expects good things in Wethington's future.
I just think with game experience at this level and understanding the game a little bit better
she's going to be able to play the game better
Matyuch said.
Wethington's mother, Nancy, said that her daughter has played several positions throughout her career, which is made easy by her passion for the game.
Emily
she loves the game
Nancy said. I think that shows in her performance on the field.
On paper, Wethington is simply an outstanding athlete. But Matyuch said that extends away from the field.
She takes her academics very seriously
she takes her softball very seriously
Matyuch said. She approaches both of them with a kind of passion.
Wethington has been playing in travel leagues since she was eight, and her parents have attended every one of her games, a challenge that wasn't as great until Wethington's games brought her to Athens ' a four and a half hour drive from her hometown.
My dad has been my coach since I was little
and this is the first year that he hasn't coached me at all
