VIDALIA — Vidalia High School softball coach Forrest Foster said he can count on senior shortstop Tatum Turner for any number of things.

Yet, perhaps most importantly, it’s Turner’s strong workmanship that she brings to the field every day that Foster most appreciates.

“She’s there every day wanting to compete,” Foster said. “And that’s all I can ask from a kid.”

After serving as a role player through her first three years in the high school ranks, Turner is now shining at the varsity level as the team’s shortstop and one of its leaders.

“She brings a lot to the table,” Foster said. “She brings a lot of senior leadership. She’s working hard, and you couldn’t be more proud of the kid.”

Turner received the majority of her action last season at the junior-varsity level, where she served as the team’s starting shortstop. Foster noted the experience she gained has translated into success this year for her and the Lady Vikings.

“She never complained about being a junior and playing junior varsity,” Foster said. “I told her last year, ‘The reason I’m playing you here is because you’re going to be my shortstop next year.’ It’s really paid off for us.”

Turner said the reason she was prepared for her stint at the junior-varsity level was the realization that her time would come soon, knowing it was best for the team.

“There’s people on the team this year that are juniors that play (junior varsity),” Turner said. “You don’t want to play (junior varsity) as (an upperclassmen) because you’re thinking ‘Oh my God, that’s embarrassing.’ But there’s only nine positions on the field, and the best players get it.”

Turner’s selfless acts have rolled over to this season, to the point in which she is contributing across the field, including volunteering to play catcher at a time in which Foster and the Lady Vikings were struggling at the position.

“There’s no I in team,” Turner said. “You have to do what you have to do to win.”

For the majority of the season, Turner has suffered through a severe thumb injury, one in which the team’s trainer advised the senior to seek a doctor’s opinion. But Turner was quick to dismiss the notion in fear of the doctor shutting her down for the year.

“It just hurts really bad, but I don’t want to stop playing,” Turner said. “This is my last year, so I’m going to keep playing, even if it hurts.

Forrest has taken notice of all of Turner’s sacrifices.

“She’s willing to do what it takes to do to make her team better,” he said. “She’s willing to do whatever she needs for her ball team.”

As the Lady Vikings play deeper into district, Turner said she is hopeful her squad can build something special together as they set their sights on the playoffs.

“I don’t plan on going to go play college ball, so I want it to be one of my best years,” Turner said. “We need to learn not to get so down, and that’s our problem. If you mess up, you should think, ‘I want the ball, and I want to improve.’”

Vidalia will play at Jena High School Tuesday.