This article is written by Isabella Compton.
Most high school seniors are anxiously waiting for the end of the school year. With working for good grades and figuring out life’s next step, stress is high for the future graduates.
Around this time of year, a lot of students haven’t decided which path to take, but that is far from the truth for senior Abigail Barnes. Barnes has been deeply committed to softball for years and plans to continue pursuing it after high school.
“I just signed and committed to play softball at Wayne State and I think that’s a pretty big achievement,” Barnes said. “ I also feel like I’m going to Wayne State because I really like the school, but I also like softball so that does help.”
Barnes already decided to major in business marketing. She is excited to further her education and to continue playing softball.
“I just like the idea because I want to stay in athletics my whole life so it would be possible to stay in the sports world like advertising companies like Gatorade or big brands like Nike. It’s a far shot but something like that would be the dream,” said Barnes.
Softball isn’t the only sport Barnes is involved in; she is also on the varsity volleyball team and played basketball all of her high school career except senior year. Barnes excels academically and school is relatively easy for her. Teachers are very understanding that she has a tight schedule with sports.
“I try to balance everything, school-wise during school and then sports after school. If it does become an issue, I’ll talk to my teachers about extensions and stuff,” said Barnes.
With juggling academics and sports, some outside help is going to be needed. Barnes’ assistance comes from her very supportive parents, who encourage her with her goals.
“My dad always tells me that at the end of my four years, he wants me to walk across the stage and be happy… He’s obviously helped me a lot with sports and they don’t really have to help me as much with school because I’m very lucky that I do well in school. Like if I didn’t, it would definitely be a struggle. I think [my parents] are big supporters,” said Barnes.
Barnes’ parents aren’t the only supporters in her life. Another big advocate for her is high school athletic director Pat Marsman.
“I think Abby is a great young lady, I think she’s a very hard worker, and I think she comes from a really good family that stresses hard work and academics. She’s a very respectful, good leader, she’s been a very good positive influence on volleyball, basketball when she played a couple years ago and certainly softball,” said Marsman.
Barnes is viewed as a positive influence on softball by more than just Marsman. Senior Kylie Hoyh is a softball teammate and close friend of Barnes who has seen this influence firsthand.
“She’s a big leader and just a big person on our team.” Said Hoyh. “If we didn’t have her, we probably wouldn’t be the team that we are.”
Softball games for Girls Varsity Softball starts in late march, come and support the team!