HOLLY POND, Ala. — In this interview, I talked to one of the standout seniors on Holly Pond’s softball team, Bai Widner. She made some great memories during her time as a Bronco, and she learned a lot during her softball career. She also talked about what it was like playing alongside a great group of girls.
“I would say when we were going to Regionals and we all found out the tire blew out on our trailer, so we all had to wait on our stuff to get there for hours. My dad was my coach, I always got mad or upset with him because he was always harder on me than anyone else. One time in particular, we were warming up before a game and he kept getting mad because I would pull my head when the ball got hit to me, so he hits a line drive as hard as possible right to my face. Even though I got upset from it, I did learn from it. Another memory was from Regionals last year. I got a can of fart spray and sprayed everyone’s room with it except mine and it smelled the entire hallway up. We ended up getting a complaint from everyone for being so loud. We all went downstairs and played Cards against Humanity.”
She added,
“I learned how to be a leader. No matter how big or small the situation is, you always see the good in it and make the best out of what you are given. You always fight for what is right and show your teammates you have their back. It was everything you could ask for. You had a family. You had someone to fall back on when you were having a hard time. You had someone to tell you that even though it wasn’t the best game you played, there is always tomorrow to make up for it.”
Bai played for some great coaches during her softball career and learned some things from them. She got to play alongside an amazing group of seniors during her time at Holly Pond.
“They were irreplaceable. They showed me how to be a true leader and to bring my team up when we were down. They showed me how to see the good, even if it was bad. They were true mentors,” Widner said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of friends. It was something new to us when we came into it being the oldest ones, but we all figured it out together and learned how to guide and help the younger girls.”
Bai had some great high school memories as well and Holly Pond will always hold a very special place in her heart. She will definitely miss being a Bronco next year.
“My favorite high school memories were skipping classes almost every day to finish a project Dr. Turner had for me and talking to Mrs. Amy (our custodian), and Lanna (our secretary,” she said. “You could feel the love that every teacher had for you at all times, especially Mrs. Alldredge. She loves every one of her kids and she will always have a special place in my heart. I will miss sports and having all the friendships I have the most. I will also miss my English classes with Mrs. Thompson and my history classes with Mr. Williams. It was never a dull moment in those classes.”
Bai talked about what she will remember the most about being at Holly Pond and she gave some advice to the students that will be starting high school in August.
“I will remember how crazy and exciting life was and what every day brought. There was always something different thrown at me. I will always remember that there is always a way to overcome everything and that is with God,” she said. “I would say always keep your head held high and stand tall, no matter your situation. Never let anyone tear you down, because their words don’t matter. Believe in yourself and you will accomplish anything you sent your mind to.”
Copyright 2023 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
