Sadie Tirrell has been a rock for the Lake Region varsity softball team this year. 

“Sadie’s hard work and positive attitude are infectious,” Lake Region Coach Shawn Rock said. “She has been a captain for the past two seasons and emulates what our program is built on. Her quickness and aggressive baserunning are adding to the success of this team so far this season. She’s seeing the ball really well right now and is an effective leadoff batter. She’s an outstanding athlete and a great leader. Very lucky to have this young lady on our roster.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Sadie is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

Athlete: Sadie Tirrell

What town do you live in: Naples

Year in School: Senior

Parents: Jennifer Daruszka, James Tirrell

Sports you play: Field Hockey, Softball 

School groups/honors: Varsity Club

Q. Why did you choose softball? In a cheesy way, I feel like softball chose me. When I picked up a ball and a bat, I knew that I had found my passion. From then on, softball has been my escape. I cherish the countless hours of practices and games, endless miles spent driving in my mom’s car, money, time, and work spent on softball. I would never dream of taking back any of it. I am so grateful to my mom and family for allowing me to reach the player and person I am today due to softball. 

Q. What do you enjoy most about softball? There are so many things to love, how could you choose just one? Catching is my passion. Every time I put on my gear I get excited. It’s so complicated to explain, I just LOVE catching. Thanks to Melissa, too, for making it easy for me;)

Q. How has competing in sports changed you as a person? Competing in sports has taught me that you can’t always win, no matter how hard you work. But also, that it isn’t always about winning. It’s about the practice, the time spent with your sisters, the relationships built and the memories made that make something so special. For example, we (softball team) lost in the first round of playoffs last year. We know we had more potential than that, but through being a captain and a teammate to this team, I had won so much more than a game. 

Q. What is one of your most memorable sports moments? Probably the field hockey preliminary game against Greely this school year. It was a home game and we went into 7v7 overtime. During an offensive corner, we won the chance for a penalty shot. I had never taken a penalty shot before, but Coach Webb chose me to take the line. I scored and that moved us on to the quarterfinals. 

Q. What is your most disappointing sports memory? Losing against York in the playoffs this school year. 

Q. How has sports prepared you for your future? Sports have so many lessons that can be applied to the real world. But in softball, I think the biggest lesson is learning to play with your heart, you have to. You chose a sport where failure is more common than success. For that, you really have to love it. 

Q. Name a coach who has made a difference in your life and in what way? Coach Shawn Rock has made a huge impact on my life ever since I moved here and started playing softball for Lake Region. He is one of the coolest people I have ever met and I know I am really lucky to have been coached by someone with so much softball IQ. He is always finding ways to keep practice and games fun, I don’t know if we have ever had a boring practice. If you have ever heard us in our games while we cheer you’d probably be questioning our sanity, but I love it and couldn’t imagine anything else. 

Q. What are your future goals? My future goals are to attend college at Saint Joe’s, undecided if I play softball and field hockey. Hopefully, within the first 2 years, I find a career path I would be happy pursuing. 

Q. Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? I think I would remember the constant positive radiation that our team carries and the multiple lessons these beautiful girls have taught me.