By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
DALLAS, Ore.– Baylie Imig embraced that leadership role this past Spring as a member of the Salem Academy softball team.
One of three upperclassmen, one of two juniors on the team, Imig knew she had to be one of those veteran voices on the super young team that they had. And the end result was being named as 3A All-State Honorable Mention as a DH/Utility player, the only Crusader to be named to the All-State List this Spring.
“It helped me improve my leadership skills and improve just overall,” said Imig of this past Spring. “Being one of the three upperclassmen, I had to step up to lead our nine freshmen.”
Imig continued her work into the Summer. Joining the CSC Ignite 18U squad, she’s been working on her game even more.
On Sunday, she hit a home run in the Championship Game of the 16/18U combined bracket they were in at Lyle Sports Complex in Dallas.Imig went 2-for-2 with 3RBI’s against the Frost Elite 18U squad. Her Home Run came in the first inning, scoring three-runs.
Around the incoming Salem Academy senior are some ballplayers who are at that next level. Shayla Qualls, Grace Walls and Ava Woods all played at Chemeketa Community College this past Spring. Not to mention some high-level ballplayers entering their senior year like Kadence Tullock from Dallas, all trying to improve themselves for this upcoming Spring like Imig is.
“It’s really been good for me. It’s been good for me to play a little more because I’ve been trying to get better so I can play in College, so getting some extra reps in this Summer has been good,” Imig said of this Summer.
Confidence has been the main point of emphasis for Imig this Summer, and will continue to be moving forward for the remainder of the Summer for what is ahead for the Salem Academy senior.
“Just making sure that you always feel like comfortable and never getting down on yourself even when things aren’t going your way. The reps will help you get more confident and that will help as you get older and grow.”
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
