By Elizabeth Contreras

VYPE: What grade are you in and when did you start playing softball?
Erin Bridendolph: I’m a sophomore and I started playing softball when I was 6. I currently play shortstop.

VYPE: What makes Bartlesville a great place to play softball?
EB: My teammates and coach are very supportive. My coach believes in my talent and abilities and I’m very thankful for him.

VYPE: How do you mentally prepare for a big game?
EB: Being prepared for a game mentally is my strong suit. I like to hype up my team and be a leader.

VYPE: What do you love most about playing softball?
EB: Softball is my life and my first love! I can forget all of life’s worries when I’m on the field. Softball for me is the best therapy in the world!

VYPE: How has being part of your team shaped you as a person?
EB: No matter the obstacles, you have to take it one bat, one play, and one game at a time.

VYPE: If you could give advice to a younger player just starting out, what would you say?
EB: You will have success and failure. Sometimes you’re the last out of the game and sometimes you are the winning run. Sometimes you’ll cry and sometimes you’ll laugh! But never give up—the love of the game is what will drive you.

VYPE: What’s one goal you’ve set for yourself this season?
EB: Having a mentor and someone to chase has always been important to me. I want to be that player for others to watch and look up to.

VYPE: Softball is often called a game of failure because even great players don’t get a hit most of the time. How do you manage the mental side of the game when things don’t go your way?
EB: Softball is a game of averages. You won’t always be on the winning side of those numbers, and sometimes you will be in a slump. I always turn to my coach to help me get refocused and regroup.

VYPE: What are your plans after graduation?
EB: I plan to pursue softball in college. I plan to pursue a degree that allows me to work with kids.