Spring is almost here and that means warm days, no jackets and Haley Bigwood lacing up her softball cleats for the Athol softball team.
The shortstop is entering her junior season for the Red Raiders but she is ready for whatever role the team needs this season.
“I play short, pitcher, third,” Bigwood said. “I played catcher last year for one game. I can be used anywhere.”
The defensive versatility is there and at the plate Bigwood will continue to muscle the ball with a renewed focus on contact.
Bigwood batted clean up last season with nine multi-hit games for the Red Raiders.
“I am definitely a power hitter,” Bigwood said. “I would rather have more base hits. I would rather get on base every time in a game rather than hit a home run.”
Bigwood has received attention from Division II softball programs at the collegiate level and recently visited American International College in Springfield.
“It was pretty good,” Bigwood said of the visit. “Hopefully I can come practice with them before the season.”
As a sophomore Bigwood had a visit with Franklin Pierce in New Hampshire. When selecting her college Bigwood said she likes the balance of sports and academics that the Division II level provides.
Bigwood has sent numerous emails to potential schools as well.
“You have to show interest,” Bigwood said. “You just need one good introduction.”
Something that Bigwood is working on for her junior season is the ability to pass on softball knowledge without coming off as obtrusive to her teammates.
“I need to figure out how to pass on my knowledge,” Bigwood said. “I am a good leader being a role model, but I am scared to help people out.”
This past winter Bigwood spent most of her time diving for loose balls while averaging 13.9 points per game for Athol.
The Red Raiders finished the season 4-15.
“It was definitely frustrating,” Bigwood said. “But there’s always going to be times when you are rebuilding your team. I just want all of us to have positive attitudes.”
While softball is her main sport, there are times when Bigwood wonders what life would be like as a basketball player.
“It’s been a sport that I connect with,” Bigwood said. “Sometimes I think to myself that maybe basketball is my sport. Sometimes I think I made a mistake and that I should have been more dedicated to basketball. Basketball is just so much fun. I love basketball.”
The Athol softball team finished 13-9 last season and lost in the Division II quarterfinals to eventual champion Greenfield High School.
“I want to make tournament,” Bigwood said. “It’s a work in progress.”
Favorite Food: Strawberries
Favorite Animal: Dog
Favorite Professional Athlete: Jennie Finch
Favorite Social Media: Snapchat
Favorite TV Show: Quantico
Favorite Vacation Spot: Clearwater, Florida
Role Model: Jennie Finch
Favorite Movie: The Great Gatsby
Pet Peeve: When my socks are wet.
Career Aspirations: Work for the FBI.
Favorite Website: CaptainU.com
Best Pizza in Athol/Orange: Tool Town
Gameday Ritual: Basketball: Eat light and hang with Geca Baptista; Softball: No swimming and food with my father.
Favorite Music Genre: Rap
Favorite Artist: Juice WRLD
Best School Subject: English
Worst School Subject: Math
Favorite Athletic Shoe: Nike
Hidden Talent: I can crack my toes.
If I had a million dollars: I would spend it on my sports future.
