WEST POINT, Ala. — West Point senior Kortni Baker has played softball for nine years, and she’s made countless memories with her teammates during her career. She has played with her fair share of teammates, and they’ve all helped her become the player that she is today.
“One of my favorite memories was during my sophomore year, when we used a Slip and Slide at practice to work on sliding. I also loved going out for Mexican food, and pretending it was someone’s birthday became a tradition we kept going every year. At the start of each season, we had team sleepovers, which always brought us closer and created some of the best friendships I have today,” Baker said. “It’s been truly amazing. I feel so blessed to know the girls I’ve met through softball. Everyone I’ve come across in this program has played a part in shaping me into the person I am today. Over the years, I’ve looked up to the older girls and learned so much from them. They showed me what it means to be a leader. Writing me notes and encouraging me not to give up on the sport helped me keep going and grow into the player I am now.”
Baker added,
“My senior year was especially meaningful. I absolutely loved the girls on this year’s team. We got along so well, and we spent a lot of time together outside of softball. We made Tiktoks after practice, watched Dance Moms before games, ate together as a team, and drove around listening to music. They made this season so special for me, from bringing gift baskets before games to just being incredibly kind and supportive. Some of us even met up to play blitzball at the field. We’re more than teammates. We’re truly great friends, and I’m so thankful for all of them. They taught me how to be mentally tough and to not give up, even when things get hard. They also showed me what real friendship is and what it means to be there for each other. I’ve learned that being part of a team isn’t just about the game; it’s about sticking together, supporting each other, and pushing through challenges.”
Kortni talks about how important it is to have a bond with your teammates on and off the field, and she shared some of her favorite games from her career.
“Having a bond with your teammates, both on and off the field, is super important. When you get to know them outside of softball, you understand what they’re going through and how to support them. That makes it easier to work together on the field, because you know each other better. Softball is such a mental game, and having teammates who push you and keep you going makes the whole environment on the field more positive,” Baker said. “One of my favorite games was this year’s game against Russellville. The whole environment in the dugout was great, and our cheers had coach Folds and the parents laughing, along with everyone else. The Hayden games from last year and this year were also really entertaining. There were funny moments during hit and runs, and people fell over the bases, which made them just as fun to watch as they were to play in.”
She played under a lot of great coaches at West Point and soaked up as much as she could from each of them.
“I’ve had the opportunity to play under a variety of coaches throughout my career at West Point, and each one has taught me something different. With so many different coaching styles, I’ve learned what motivates me, what challenges me, and what helps me grow the most as a player. Some coaches focused heavily on discipline and structure, while others emphasized building relationships and team chemistry. Through all of it, I’ve grown not just in my softball technique and skill level, but also in my ability to adapt, take feedback, and lead by example. I’m truly grateful for the impact each coach has had on my journey.” Baker said.
Kortni will remember and miss so many things about playing softball at West Point. She talked about a couple of role models that she looked up to during her playing career.
“I’ll definitely remember all my teammates and the inside jokes we had. We always found a way to make practice fun, no matter what. I’ll never forget the handshake my shortstop and I made for game days or carpooling with the other seniors, and all the little moments that made everything so special. I’ll miss seeing my girls at practice every day, keeping coach Folds updated on our lives, and giving advice to the younger players. Honestly, I’ll just miss the whole team and everything that came with being a part of it,” she said. “Some of the role models I had on my team when I was an underclassman were Carlie Wilkins and Bethany Minck. Carlie and I always pitched bullpens together, and I was so inspired by her. She pitched beautifully, and I always looked up to her confidence, speed, and accuracy. I wanted to be just like that. Bethany showed me how to treat the younger girls and how to keep a positive attitude. She was always in such a great mood and truly a light to everyone around her. I knew I wanted to carry myself with kindness and a positive mindset just like she did. There are so many others who’ve inspired me, but those two really showed me the kind of teammate I wanted to be.”
She made so many great high school memories with her classmates and her time at West Point will always hold a special place on Kortni’s heart.
“Some of my favorite high school memories this year are from prom. It was so much fun, and our whole friend group got to go together. We had a party bus, and everyone got along really well. Going to the beach with my teammates was a lot of fun too. We always ate great food and got to hang out together on the beach. I also loved being part of the student section and dressing up for the themes during football and basketball seasons. Making signs for my friends on the volleyball team was a lot of fun as well. Homecoming week was another one of my favorite memories. I love playing the games and dressing up each day. West Point was special, because of the people I met. The friendships I formed with my teammates and classmates will always mean a lot to me. I also had teachers who truly cared and made a difference in my life. Everyone supported each other, and the traditions helped bring us all together. I’ll always remember the connections I made with such amazing people.”
Kortni will miss being a Warrior after graduation and she shared some advice for those students that will be starting high school in August.
“I’ll miss seeing my friends at school every day and being involved in activities I loved doing, like softball and pep rallies. I’ll always remember the lessons I’ve learned here and the kindness everyone has shown me. This school and the people in it have made a lasting impact on me,” she said. “The best thing you can do is be yourself. Don’t worry about what people think, because it’s your life, and every choice you make shapes who you become. Be kind to others, because you never know what they’re going through, and the way you treat people matters more than you think. Be open to new friendships and get involved as much as you can. Go to the games, dress up for spirit week, and make the most of those moments. Your friend group might change, and that’s okay. You’ll grow and find people who truly support you. Grades are important, but they don’t define you. Who you are as a person is so much more than a number on a paper.”
Kortni’s faith has completely changed her life and she talked about her favorite role model that she looked up to at school.
“God has had a huge role into shaping me into who I am. My favorite verse is Isaiah 60:22: ‘When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.’ This verse has helped me realize that everything in our lives is on His timing, not ours. You have to trust in His plan, even when it’s hard or confusing. Every hard moment and every person who came and went was part of something bigger. Instead of asking God why those things happened, I’ve learned to thank Him, because all of it has helped me grow into the person I am now. My small group leader, Tracey Heptinstall, has been such a big part of my walk with Christ. She’s helped guide me and has always reminded me what it means to live more like Jesus. Because of Jesus, I’ve become more positive, more understanding, and more grateful. I’ve been blessed with some of the most amazing friends, and I’ll always be thankful for the way God placed Tracey and so many others in my life at the perfect time.”
Kortni added,
“Mrs. Leah Cochran has been an incredible role model during my time in school. She taught me Chemistry and Physics, which were both really tough classes, but she always believed in me. She pushed me to keep going, even when I wanted to give up. Getting through those classes taught me to not back out, just because something feels hard. In the end, I passed, and I also gained a sweet friendship with her. I know I’m always welcome in her room if I ever need anything, and that means a lot to me.”
Baker talked about some of her favorite traditions that she shared with her classmates and teammates as well.
“My classmates and I went to FCA once a month before school, which is something I always looked forward to. My teammates and I also made it a priority to pray together before every game. On Wednesdays, I was part of a small group that includes both classmates and teammates, which made it even more special. It’s a good way for us to stay connected and centered through our faith.” she said. “During my time at West Point, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance and community. I’ve faced tough challenges, but I’ve learned that it’s in those moments that you grow the most. The support from my classmates and teammates has shown me that having a small community around you can make all the difference. I’ve also learned that hard work pays off, whether it’s in academics, sports, or friendships. West Point has taught me to never back down from challenges and to always give my best in everything I do.”
Kortni participated in several clubs and extracurricular activities at West Point and she talked about how much she’s gained from those experiences as well.
“I served as the president of the Student Government Association during my senior year, and I was a member of the SGA since my freshman year. I was also a member of the National Honor Society for three years, and Beta Club since my freshman year. I was also involved in the Spanish Club, Theatre, and Mu Alpha Theta for a year. I’ve been a member of FCCLA for a year and have been a part of FCA since my freshman year. Being a part of so many clubs really helped me grow. I learned how to serve others, speak confidently in front of crowds, and work with all kinds of people. Through these experiences, I also learned how to plan events and step up as a leader. I received scholarships from the University of South Alabama and Wallace State. I’m truly grateful to have received those scholarships, and I’m so excited to see how they’ll help me in the future.”
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