FAIRVIEW, Ala. – The Fairview Aggies are coming off a great softball season and, in this interview, eighth grader Addison Phillips shared some of what she learned and what it’s been like playing on varsity and alongside some great teammates.
“I feel this season went a lot better than our seasons in the past. We are still very young and have a lot to learn,” Phillips said. “I learned how to be a better teammate and person on and off the field. It has been very fun hanging out with the older girls and maturing to their level. It also made me strive to be better. It was very fun seeing the girls grow and become mentally tougher and have a better overall view of the game.”
Addison got to play under some great coaches last year and has learned so much from them so far. She got to play with senior Jaycee Aleman and learned some things from her as well.
“My coaches last year were pretty great. They showed a lot of growth in coaching and taught us how to be mentally tough and in the game. I’m very fortunate they got to coach me. I learned how to push through something I physically thought I couldn’t do. They taught me how to be a better teammate and to push to be the best version of myself,” Phillips said. “Playing with Jaycee was very fun. She was a very good athlete and pushed herself and others. She was in our group and would always have a smile on her face and make you laugh. I always watched her play while we were both on the field together. She would lead the team and get the job done without being mean. She would have fun and it made others mimic her.”
Addison learned some things from the upperclassmen too and will continue to work on her game before next season gets underway. She has some goals set for herself and for the team and also talked about what will make this team special to watch next season.
“They all welcomed me in and didn’t hesitate to teach me all the things they had already been taught,” she said. “I will continue to work on my pitching skills and hitting. I will also continue to do extra things to help improve my skill set, such as travel ball, which is very important. My individual goals are to increase my speed in pitching and get more consistent in my hitting. The team goals are to become mentally tougher and bring each other up as a team. We need to get closer and learn from our mistakes.”
She added,
“The team chemistry is great in the dugout and on the field so far. Everyone lifts each other up after mistakes and doesn’t dwell on them.”
Addison talked about her role models growing up and the best advice that she was ever given.
“Monica Abbott was one that was so talented. When I was a kid, I used to watch all of her games she played in. Recently, it’s Montana Fouts. She has so many records and I love watching her. The best advice someone ever gave me is don’t be afraid of failure.”
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