BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH. Dorie Richardson (pictured) will play her final season for the Lady Eagles and seniors Evvie Blankenship, Ava Declue and Molly Lohden. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
SWING INTO ACTION. The Lady Eagles swing back into the regular season at the Peoples Bank Back to School Classic that will take place Aug. 30-31. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
OVER THE FENCE. Molly Lohden dove and stretched her arm to snag a clutch out during practice. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
BOOK CLUB. The Lady Eagles are reading “FINISHED IT” by Cassie Reilly-Boccia, a former Alabama softball star who led her team to a national title. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
‘Tradition Never Graduates’: Softball Focuses On Legacy And Teamwork
“A team is a WE. It’s not just a me,” Sullivan head coach Ashley Crump stressed to her players at practice on Thursday, Aug. 15.
The Lady Eagles were reading “FINISHED IT” by Cassie Reilly-Boccia, an autobiography of a former Alabama softball star. They have been discussing the book during practices while being split into groups.
A former Lady Eagle, Hanna Johanning, joined the book talk and gave her insight. She helped lead Sullivan to winning the state championship in 2020. Thursday was her last stop before returning to Lindenwood to go bat.
While referencing the book, Johanning told her circle that Sullivan won the title because they put their self-interests aside. Everyone accepted the role they were given. Whether riding the bench or being the leadoff batter, they were happy to play their part to win.
Crump continued the conversation, asking all of the girls what legacy they would like to leave for the program. The head coach referenced Johanning breaking the scoreboard in her home run against Bolivar as a memory she will always hold close, as well as the TikTok videos they made together.
Crump repeated the phrase, “Tradition never graduates,” explaining that each player has the chance to make their mark on a winning culture. She concluded the discussion by saying, “This year needs to be the year we celebrate everything.”
Along with the book readings, the Lady Eagles have grown closer as a team with bike rides and costume competitions.
They cannot wait to retake the plate, and they will do so with a home jamboree on Friday, Aug. 23, at 4 p.m. Sullivan will play scrimmages against West Plains and Marquette.
The Lady Eagles will open up their season at the Peoples Bank Back to School Classic, which will take place from Aug. 30-31. On the first day, they will play Webster Groves at 10 a.m., Blair Oaks at 11:45 a.m., and Linn at 3:15 p.m. The Lady Eagles will then play two more games on Saturday at the Campbell-Chapman Sports Complex.