By Hayden Swope

Ell-Saline’s Brin Hecker was a second team all-league infielder last season. Hecker returned for the Cardinals for her junior year and was one of the top players on their team that qualified for the state tournament. 

“I feel honored to be one of the athletes that have been chosen to be in the magazine,” Hecker said. “All the hard work I’ve put in and the time my summer and school coaches have spent with me to help me and my team succeed have paid off.”

A goal Hecker hoped not only her, but her team would accomplish, was the confidence and eagerness to play. 

“My main goal I focused on this season was positivity,” Hecker said. “Everyone will make mistakes and it’s super easy to let it get in your head and shut down. I make a mistake and I want the ball to come back to me just so I can fix the mistake. My team as a whole improved on this goal all together. We are huge on lifting each other up.”

After years of Cardinal softball success, Hecker knew she wanted to make this season unforgettable to her team, the seniors, and the coaches. 

“The most memorable moment from this season was definitely making it back to state for the third year in a row,” Hecker said. “My team has put in so much work to make the seniors last year a memorable one. We did it for them.” 

Only a junior, Hecker plans to head into the medical world, but is still deciding on where to attend. 

“I plan to go to a nearby four year college to become an ultrasound technician,” Hecker said.