Softball standout Lauren Barnes of Smoky Valley was looking forward to her final season, but it was cut short due to the pandemic. Barnes started playing softball at the age of four and has played competitive softball since the age of 12.

“I love everything about my team because we always come together as a whole for the best competition. This year was going to be a whole new team from previous years; it’s unfortunate we didn’t get to compete,” said Barnes.

Barnes said being a part of the first team from Smoky Valley to go to the state tournament was her favorite memory her sophomore year. Barnes was the starting right fielder that year. Now that she is graduating, Barnes will turn her attention to college.

“Next year I am attending Bethany College to get my Biology pre-med degree. I just recently committed to also playing softball at Bethany along the way,” said Barnes.

The senior has this to say to her friends, teammates and family.

“I thank all the girls I’ve played with a coaches that have coached me, including my dad, because without them, I would never have gotten where I am now,” said Barnes.