Skylar Dodge likes softball so much she finds ways to play it almost year round.
If she’s not playing for Mahar Regional in the spring, she is playing in multiple leagues for the North County Spark travel softball team in the summer and the fall.
If there is some spare time in between competitive leagues she just heads outside at home for some long toss with her father.
“If I have more than one sport, my mind is in different places,” Dodge said. “I have all year to focus on strengthening my game.”
The productivity displayed on the field shows her focus and dedication. As a sophomore Dodge batted a robust .538 last season for the Senators. The success at the plate comes with the extra time that Dodge puts in to hone her craft.
“Practicing outside of practice,” Dodge said. “For your school or your travel team. Put more work into hitting whenever you can.”
Even when it’s snowy and cold during the winter months, Dodge still finds a way to swing a bat and practice her fielding.
After a break after the fall season, the North County Spark team members reconvene at Mount Wachusett Community College to practice indoors.
Throw in some time with dad at the batting cages and Dodge is primed and ready for Mahar Regional when the spring rolls around.
The close proximity to Butterfield Park gives Dodge even more ways to practice.
“I go outside either by myself or with my dad,” Dodge said. “More reps is always good. My dad is big into the sport. I like when he helps me. It’s bonding time together, but he’s also helping me become better at the sport that I love.”
Dodge started playing softball at the end of sixth grade which may seem like a late start she spent most of her youth playing Little League baseball with the boys.
“I enjoyed Little League but I wanted to give softball a try,” Dodge said. “The more I played softball, the more I loved it.”
Dodge has memories of almost hitting a homer in Little League, hitting a warning sign at Muzzey Field and ending up with a double.
“It gave me a challenge,” Dodge said of playing little league, “I was kind of scared at first because I was 10, I didn’t know how I would be with the boys. I hit some good line drives.”
There is one sport that can take her attention away from softball and that’s Dek hockey, which she has played since a very young age at 202 Sports Complex.
“Dek hockey has been a big part of my life outside of softball,” Dodge said. “I always help out in some way. I have been on the travel team; growing up, I played with the boys.”
Dodge would like to continue to play softball in college. She has a visit set up at Merrimack College on Friday and just might try to contact the softball coach.
It’s been quite a while since Mahar softball team has made the postseason. After just missing the tournament last season Mahar has the weapons to end the streak this season.
“We haven’t made tournament in a long time,” Dodge said. “It would be nice for the seniors. I want to play with them and have fun and see where that takes us.”
The Senators open their season at home against Easthampton on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite professional athlete: David Ortiz/Lauren Chamberlain
Favorite social media: Snapchat
Favorite show: Blue Bloods
Favorite vacation spot: Wells Beach, Maine
Role model: My parents
Favorite movie: A League of Their Own
Pet peeve: I don’t like the crinkling of bags like potato chips.
Career aspirations: Sports management or interior design
Favorite website: Uncertain
Favorite animal: Dogs
Best pizza in Athol/Orange: Friendly Town
Gameday ritual: Focus on what I want to accomplish, softball playlist.
Current sneaker brand: Nike
Favorite music genre: Top-40
Favorite artist: Post Malone/Bryson Tiller
Best school subject: Math
Worst school subject: English or History
Special talent: Uncertain
If I had a million dollars I would: Give my parents money for bills, buy a house and save for the future.
