By Hayden Swope

Shelby Davidson of Minneapolis finished off her junior year with a bang. Leading the softball team in home runs, Davidson is proud of how far the team finished last season.

“Last year our second game against Ellsworth got rained out so they traveled back a couple of days later on my birthday to finish the game,” Davidson said. “I hit a walk-off home run to win us the game first at bat and my first home run ever.”

This year, Davidson is hoping her team adds on to their substate record, and even makes an appearance at the state game.

“My goal for this season is to grow on our one win at substate last year and hopefully win our substate,” Davidson said “I would like as a team for our postseason finish to be at state. For stats I am looking to break the career doubles record at my high school and hit some more home runs, but ultimately improve my batting average.”

With a lack of upperclassmen support and leadership from the previous year, Davidson and other teammates were able to step up when it was important. This year, Davidson is looking to grow that leadership.

“We didn’t have any seniors last year so us juniors had to step up,” Davidson said. “This year I would like to build on that leadership especially with the freshman being the future of our program.”

Davidson has big plans for the future to continue her volleyball journey and academics.

“I am attending Kansas Wesleyan University to continue my volleyball career and major in Business Administration,” Davidson said. “After college, I am considering owning my own event planning business or taking over The Davidson Agency.”