Faces off the field
Courtney Culp, junior catcher, Florence
What’s the toughest thing about being a catcher?
Calling the right pitch and making sure to always tell the defense where to go on every play.
Why has Florence been able to advance so deeply into the playoffs?
We finally realized our potential. We’ve been playing together for years. We’re really more of a family.
What kind of support are you getting at the school and in yourcommunity?
We have pep rallies at school, and they talk about the previous game on the school announcements during lunch. We’re a small town so it’s on our one sign — the bank. People will line up with posters to send us off to every game. One of the grandparents even made a bigger bulletin board at Florence City Hall, where
she works.
What has been the best part of this season?
It has been such an amazing, unbelievable season — winning our district, going undefeated in district, winning area and the exciting victory over the No. 1 team in the state, Natalia. I couldn’t possibly pick one thing. If you could have dinner with any four people in the history of the world, whom would you choose? Abraham Lincoln, (Titanic) Capt. Edward J. Smith, Malcolm X and John F. Kennedy Jr.
Why Abe Lincoln?
Because he was a vampire slayer, of course. Just kidding. He was an inspiring leader and amazing at giving speeches. He also put a lot of time in freeing slaves and caring more about others than himself. Historians also have argued that he was one of our five best presidents. Do you have a favorite softball memory while growing up? When I was about 10, I caught a ball with my right eye in left field by completely misjudging it, and it laid me out on the ground. Quite embarrassing.
Do you have any softball-related superstitions?
I put my uniform on in the exact same order. I have a specific walk-up routine that I do every single time right before I get in the box. My gear always goes in the same spot I pick out before the game. I even make sure I put my jewelry in the same spot. My necklace goes in my bag and my bracelet in my back pocket.
What do you consider to be the world’s greatest invention?
Books. Books are just so great because if you’re having a rough day or you just want to escape reality, you can put your pajamas on and get comfy and get lost in a great book.