Huron County View

Senior Sports Reflections

Danielle Harper

 

 

USA

Spring Sport: Softball
Parents: Steve and Carolyn Repkie

Career Summary: Danielle Harper immediately made an impact for the Patriots, in 2019. She secured an outfield spot, competing in 35 games, batting .341, with 30 hits, 37 runs scored, 28 RBI and four home runs. She was set to move from the outfield to shortstop.

Coach Isaiah Gainforth Says: “Danielle was our most consistent hitter. She was ready. We only saw a glimpse of her full potential.”

What was your reaction to the cancellation to the season? “I felt a lot of emotions the day they cancelled the season. I was shocked, disappointed, upset, and overall devastated. I spent the day mostly crying and talking to my teammates and coaches. We reminisced about the memories we shared while growing up playing softball together. After speaking to them, I took a trip to the field and sat in the dugout thinking about the season we should have had and gave myself a sense of closure trying to accept the fact I will never play on my home field again. It was truly heartbreaking!”

 

 

How were you preparing for the season? “I have been preparing for this season several different ways, both physically and mentally. I spent every week hitting in the batting cage and running laps in the hallways, preparing my body for the season to come. I have also been preparing myself for the transition from center field to shortstop, a position I was looking forward to playing at again.”

What were your goals for the season? “The beginning of this season was not easy for me. My grandfather passed away unexpectedly about two weeks before our first practice. He and I had a very close bond and he was definitely one of my biggest fans when it came to softball. In the last few months of his life, all he talked about was this softball season and his excitement to watch me play one last time. He had so much hope that we would be able to make it to MSU again and win another state title like last season. My goal this season was to help lead my team to success and to play in his honor.”

What was your favorite memory playing this sport? “Looking back at a sport that has been a huge part of my life for over 10 years now, it is difficult to choose just one favorite memory. Over the years, I have experienced so many unforgettable moments, such as, playing in the World Series in Indiana, every weekend tournament with my travel team, and of course my first year of varsity. If I had to choose just one, I would choose the weekend of the 2019 state championships. I will never forget the feeling of hitting a homerun at the MSU Stadium and then winning the state championship the next day. I have dreamt of being in that moment since I was a little girl and being able to live it was truly my dream come true.”

What will you miss the most about not playing? “I am mostly going to miss my teammates and my coaches. I grew up playing with these girls and to know I won’t get one last season with them breaks my heart. I was fortunate enough to be a part of a team that not only played softball together, but ultimately became a second family to me. If it weren’t for them, my family, and the coaches who helped guide me all of these years, I would not be half the player I am today. I am very excited to watch my girls play next season and will be cheering them on every step of the way!”

How will you look back on this season? “I will forever look back on this season as a life lesson. This season has taught me to never take things for granted and to always appreciate what you have while you have it. I would have never imagined something like this would happen and would ultimately end my softball career so abruptly, but I am so thankful for the many years I got to spend playing the sport that I love. If I could give any piece of advice to younger softball players, it would be, play every game like it is your last and cherish these moments. Make sure you are always satisfied with your performance before you step off that field, because you never know if you are going to get the opportunity to play another game.”

How have you been spending your time? “I have mostly been spending my time finishing assignments for my college classes. Other than homework, I have been watching Netflix, going for walks, baking, painting, and helping my mom with unfinished projects around the house.”

Are you still training? “Yes, in hopes of having an opportunity to play a game or two this summer.”

What are your plans from here? “I plan on attending college in the fall at Delta. As of now, my career choice has yet to be decided, however, I am narrowing down my choices and I am excited and looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”