Trinity Episcopal softball led by a pair of senior stalwarts

Published 11:57 pm Wednesday, September 14, 2016

First-year Trinity Episcopal softball coach Fay Minor doesn’t carry many experienced players at her disposal.
The Lady Saints’ roster is filled with underclassmen, particularly at the junior-high ranks, and doesn’t have many seasoned players they can rely on.
However, the two seniors Minor has, she’s more than pleased with.
Trinity has not only leaned on Alli Smith and Jasmine Ivory to provide strong play in the field and at the plate, but also to help groom the younger Lady Saints along they way.
“I talk to them all the time about being leaders,” Minor said. “To understand the younger kids in the dugout are watching them. They’re watching your work ethic, the way you present yourself, your personality. If you’re going to be a leader, be a leader all the way.”
Smith said she has fully embraced her leadership role and understands the responsibilities that are associated with being a senior.
“Our team is really young,” she said. “I feel like the other girls are looking up to us, so we have to set a good example for them.”
Ivory said she is more than willing to lend a helping hand to her youthful teammates in helping develop their skills.

“We encourage them to work hard and teach them what we know to make them better,” Ivory said.
But the duo’s contributions don’t end there. The seniors bat in the middle of the Trinity lineup and also demonstrate their versatility by playing several different positions.
Ivory alternates between shortstop, while Smith serves as the team’s catcher or first base.
“If (Minor) needs me to go to the outfield, I’ll go to the outfield,” Smith said. “It’s just whatever she needs.”
Ivory and Smith are also well accomplished in the classroom, with Ivory sporting a 3.2 GPA, and Smith having her sights set on attending Mississippi State.
Both said no matter where their talents take them, they will always cherish their time spent as a Lady Saint.
“(Trinity) is a great school. There are a lot of nice people. It’s family,” Ivory said.
Added Smith, “(Trinity) helped me prepare for the rest of my life. I can’t thank the people there enough for that.”

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