Pitchers often are put on a pedestal.
Right-handers can be referred to a left-handers, and lefties have a special way of doing things that makes them unique.
Those qualities are magnified in fast-pitch softball, especially at the elite levels of Division I, where pitchers usually are asked to do one thing: Pitch.
Lauren Holifield and D.J. Sanders are breaking that mold.
The standout sophomore and freshman on the New Hope High School fast-pitch team don”t limit themselves to playing just one role. Both players flourish in a multi-dimensional role that extends to hitting and fielding at another position when they”re not pitching.
The success of Holifield and Sanders has played a key role in helping New Hope continue its quest for its first fast-pitch state title. Coming off a two-game sweep of Pearl, New Hope will take the next step in its journey at 5:30 p.m. Thursday when it travels to Lake Cormorant in the best -of-three Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A North State playoff series.
Game 2 will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Columbus. If needed, game 3 will follow.
New Hope High coach Tabitha Beard said Holifield and Sanders have worked through ups and downs in the circle this season, but each one has made big contributions in every facet of the game.
“They lead our team in hits. That is the biggest thing,” Beard said. “Our pitchers, if they are not pitching they are playing shortstop. They are in the thick of things all of the time.”
Holifield and Sanders wouldn”t have it any other way. Both players are part of a new generation of New Hope High softball players who have been brought up in the fast-pitch game first, and their versatility reflects the time they have spent on the field.
“Lauren makes a contribution on and off the field,” Sanders said. “Se is a really good pitcher, fielder, and teammate. She keeps us focused in the dugout and makes sure we cheer right. She even keeps us focused in school. She is an overall leader.”
Holifield is part of a “Fantastic Four” sophomore class of Kasey Stanfield, Erin Stanfield, and Ashley Reed. As the team”s leadoff hitter, Beard said she sets the tone for the offense. Capable of hitting for power and singles, Holifield”s knowledge of the game comes through on the basepaths, where she reads the game and uses fundamentals to appear quicker.
Sanders is more relaxed on the field. Whether she is in the circle or in the field, she has an ease about her game that appears to deflect any negativity or problem. If something goes wrong, Sanders is apt to smile it away to help diffuse the situation.
“D.J. lightens the mood with her humor,” Holifield said. “She always does what we need her to do. If we are in a tight situation, she is usually the one to step up and do what she needs to do as a hitter. When I am struggling on the mound, she comes in to relieve me and gets the job done. She is consistent.”
Beard said Holifield and Sanders have done a great job understanding they need to set the tone despite their relative inexperience. She said the team relied on both players equally as much on Holifield and Sanders in the slow-pitch season.
Beard doesn”t feel it will get to a point that either player will be put in a limited role because they are so capable at doing multiple things well.
“They are both athletes and they are going to be on the field no matter what,” Beard said. “I think any coach would see that. You can”t sit a person like D.J. or Lauren down because they are so talented defensively and offensively that you want them in the game.”
Holifield and Sanders also share a stinginess when it comes to talking about themselves. Both are honest in appraising their play and deny they are too hard on themselves. By default, Sanders admits hitting is the area she has made the biggest contribution, while Holifield points to her pitching as her strongest suit this season.
“I am my worst critic, but that is good, right?” Holifield said,” because you try to prove it to yourself so you work harder.”
That shared attitude fit perfectly with players who will fight and claw not to be placed on that pedestal.
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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