By Payton Moody
For Chasely Roberts, softball isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion that has been fostered and
nurtured by dedicated coaches, supportive teammates, and a network of educators who
have shaped her into the remarkable athlete she is today.
Roberts has had an influential coach stand out in her life. “Coach Sammy Lopez has been
my favorite coach throughout my softball career,” Roberts said. “He pushed me through
everything, believed in me when I put my mind to it and never let me get down on myself.”
Teammates play a crucial role in an athlete’s journey, and for Roberts, Quintasia Johnson
stands out as a source of inspiration and unwavering support. “She always asked me what
she was doing wrong and how she could improve her hitting,” she said. “She believed in me
and herself.”
In the world of education, Mrs. Edmanson holds a special place in Roberts’ heart. “She’s
been here all four years and always stayed on me about my work for softball, ensuring I
remained eligible to play,” Roberts said. “She’s a great teacher to talk to about life’s
challenges.”
Softball has imparted invaluable life lessons to Roberts. “It’s taught me that you can’t do it
by yourself; you need a great support system behind and around you,” she reflected.
Among her cherished memories in the sport, a particular moment stands out. “When we
went to regionals my sophomore year, we had the most energy there,” Roberts said. “Even
though we didn’t win it all, we loved every moment of it because it was the first time in a
long time our school had made it that far.”
As she approached this season, Roberts’ goals were both team-oriented and personal. “Our team’s goal was to make it to regionals and have a great season,” she said. “We made it to regionals and worked our hardest, making it to the third round. I’m very proud of our team this year.”
Beyond high school, Roberts plans to pursue her love for the sport and her academics at a
college of her choice. While she acknowledges the challenges ahead, her determination and
love for softball will undoubtedly continue to guide her toward success.
