VINEMONT, Ala. – The Vinemont Lady Eagles fielded young softball and basketball teams last season and after dealing with some growing pains, one Lady Eagles standout is looking forward to building on that experience this year. Berkley Gable, along with a young, talented basketball and softball team, is determined to fill up the win column in her senior year.
“This past season was a little different giving we did have a young team. Raylee and Whitney Quick joined us and made a great fit. Last season was by far the best one. We may not have won as many games as we would have liked to, but we played our hearts out each game and that’s all that matters,” Gable said. “We realized that we each had a role on the court and when that sunk in, we were determined to bring home the area championship. We ended up bringing home the area runner-up.”
“This year is my senior year and already this summer, we have brought the same energy into our summer play dates and you could tell we were on a mission. I can’t wait to see how our season turns out. We do have a young team, but don’t let that fool you because my teammates and I are here to win.”
She added,
“We have a pretty young team in softball as well. Last year, we had five juniors and the rest were underclassmen. We had a great season in my opinion. We each gave 110% and that’s all you can ask for. Every game, I knew when I stepped on that field, my teammates had my back. We had a few games that didn’t turn out in our favor, but our coach, Mrs. Whisenant, always reminded us to look at the positive in the game. We may have lost, but someone got a hit, and someone had a good play. We all had good things in each game. This season, we have four seniors, four juniors, and the rest are underclassmen. I can’t wait to see what all we accomplish.
Berkley has enjoyed playing for her both of her coaches at Vinemont and soaks up as much knowledge of both games from them as she can.
“Both of my coaches are great. I have learned so much from them, but the most important thing that I was taught was about teamwork,” Gable said. “They both coach teamwork. You can’t have a team with just one person. This is why I love my teams so much; we all understand it takes more than one person to make big things happen.”
Berkley also feels blessed to play with a special group of girls on both the softball field and the basketball court.
“The bonds that we have together during the games is crazy. You can watch us play and know that we love our sports,” Gable said. “It’s always an intense game with us. We may start the game and be down 10-0, but we always come back and make it a neck-and-neck game.”
Berkley will be one of the leaders on both teams and has taught the younger players so much.
“Being a leader to me is one of the most important things. My sister is six years older than me, so I grew up around the older athletes. They have always been my role models,” Gable said. “I remember how awesome they were to have and that’s what I have pushed myself to be like. I always act my best and show good sportsmanship, so they know how a teammate is supposed to act. I also try to help them understand that all athletes are being watched by younger elementary kids. That means watch what you post on social media and always be a good role model.”
Berkley has been continuing to work on her game in both sports and has a long list of goals for herself and her teams this year.
“For basketball, I have been working on my speed, shooting, and ball-handling. In softball, I take lessons every week to work on my hitting and pitching. With it being my senior year this season, my goal is to push myself even harder than last year. This is my last ride and I want to show out and make a difference. Our team goals for both softball and basketball are winning area and going as far as we can.”
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