Dirt flies into the air as sophomore shortstop Kate Asperger shifts across the infield. She sways unshaken by the weight of pressure. Her cleats leave precise marks in the dirt with each deliberate movement. She carries herself in a calm persistence, refusing to let any obstacle prevent her forward motions.
As just a sophomore, Asperger has found ways to create a lasting impact on the team. While she excels in the field, holding down shortstop and second base, one of Asperger’s main strengths in her game comes at the plate, where she is an offensive juggernaut. Junior catcher Brynn Connolly noted, “Kate has added depth to our lineup, as her strong power mixed with her quick adaptability to pitchers helps drive in runs.”
To have a profound influence on the field, Asperger also spends time in the off season perfecting her craft on the California Thunder club softball team. “I’ve been playing club softball since I was eight. It’s a lot of work being a year-round player, but I think it really pays off,” shares Asperger, providing insight on her softball career.
Asperger claims that playing club allows her to be ahead of the game for the following season: “I think both club and high school help widen my skill set. With high school, it helps me to adjust to playing any position that is needed and become a more versatile player,” states Asperger. “Club softball helps me to stay ready for the high school season and be ready for the amount of games we play.”
This season, the team has 11 wins and 3 losses. Asperger carries a commanding .417 average through 24 at-bats with 7 runs, 10 hits, and 4 RBIs.
Her offensive ability, although impressive, is only half the story, because her defensive reliability makes her a consistent option in the field. “I believe that Kate’s glove work isn’t appreciated enough! Although she dominates behind the plate, Kate also does an amazing job knocking down balls, and I feel confident that when a ball comes her way, it won’t get past her,” Connolly commented.
There’s no doubt that softball is a taxing sport that requires perseverance through energy droughts, often having to practice while playing 2-3 games per week. Even Asperger herself notes, “It’s challenging to keep up our stamina.” But whether a practice or game, Kate still finds a way to give it her all, uplifting the team with her spirit and enthusiasm. Especially on those long three-game weeks, Connolly added, “ It’s her love for the game and bubbly attitude that helps motivate me and definitely other players to leave it all out on the field.”
With only a third of the season gone by, Asperger has her hopes set high for the remainder of the season and into the postseason. It is apparent that there is one main target in mind, as Asperger declares, “Our goals for this season are simply to win CIF.” With Asperger leading the team with her dominant batting and shifty playmaking in the middle infield on defense, the Poly Softball team may soon realize its goal of becoming CIF champions.
