By Hayden Swope

Brielle Ptacek of Southeast of Saline was a first team all-league softball selection last season. Ptacek has aspirations to add on to those stats, and even make it to state.

“I want to help lead my team back to the state tournament,” Ptacek said. “We have a really strong group of returners and some new teammates joining us that we are really excited about. I also want to work to continue my 100 percent contact percentage and improve on my fielding percentages.”

While continuing to train and improve her softball skills, Ptacek stayed in physical and mental shape by competing in other sports.

“I am a three sport athlete and believe that each season makes me a better overall athlete,” Ptacek said. “The skills and mental aspects transfer from sport to sport. I have also spent a lot of time in the weight room during the off seasons and summers to get stronger and more explosive.”

The memories made heading into state is what Ptacek will forever remember, and the teammates and coaches she got to experience it with.

“Being able to compete in the state tournament with my team has to be my favorite memory so far,” Ptacek said. “Along with actually playing in the tournament our team has a bunch of fun activities that we do the week before the tournament. One of these activities is a scavenger hunt around town. We all load onto a bus and take pictures in different locations or with different items.”

While softball may come to an end, Ptacek plans to continue her education in college.

“I am planning on attending Kansas State University and majoring in architecture,” Ptacek said.