Sport Spotlight: Reagan Moore By: Valeria Morales For many high school athletes, balancing academics, friendships and sports can feel overwhelming at times. Some often begin to see their sport as stressful or demanding. However for Reagan Moore (11), softball has become a steady source of confidence and personal growth. What began as a game she enjoyed has turned into an experience that continually challenges her to improve, both mentally and physically. When she steps onto the field, Moore most often takes her place in left field, where she can see the entire game develop in front of her. The position allows her to stay alert and react quickly to every play. “I normally play left field and some 3rd base and what I enjoy the most about outfield is being able to run and track fly balls and being able to see the whole field,” Moore said. As the season progressed and her coaches looked for ways to strengthen the team’s defense, Moore was given another opportunity to expand her role. Although she had never played third base before, she embraced the challenge instead of shying away from it. “One of the skills I’ve worked hardest to improve is playing 3rd base, I didn't start playing until my coach asked me to play one day and I have never played the position before but it has given me another position to improve, learn, and get better at,” Moore said. Long before game day arrives, Moore and her teammates dedicate hours to preparation and repetition at practice. Each routine is carefully designed to strengthen fundamentals and improve communication on the field. "On a normal practice day we will stretch and warm up to throw then we will do position drills and work on situational awareness while playing those positions. After we will do some hitting drills and hit soft toss on the field and later talk about wins and loses for as individuals and as a team,” Moore said. In addition to physical training, Moore has learned that mental preparation plays a crucial role in performance. Developing confidence has required intentional effort before every game. “Normally before each game I try not to worry about all the mistakes I’ve made in the past but instead I try my best to have confidence by thinking of all the things that I’ve done well and having a good attitude before every game no matter what kind of day I had. I also prepare physically by doing some stretching, outfield warm ups and hitting drills to get me ready for the game,” Moore said. Over time, building confidence has been one of her greatest personal challenges. “The biggest challenge I’ve faced is having more confidence in myself and as a softball player. Before it was hard for me to have confidence because I would only think about the mistakes that I’ve made and how scared I was of messing up and letting down my team but over time I have learned that failure is the steps you have to take to improve and build confidence and failing and learning and improving has helped me to have more confidence in myself and on the softball field,” Moore said. For Moore, the game is not just about making plays in the outfield or reacting at third base, it is about becoming stronger with every setback and success. No matter where life takes her, the mindset she has built on the softball field will continue to guide her forward.