If you have an idea for a story, contact Joanna Chadwick at [email protected].

By Joanna Chadwick

Salina South senior Abby Miller remembers playing one tournament with her sister, Avery, a freshman.

“It was just a pickup team,” Abby Miller said. “We haven’t really ever played on a team, so we were both really looking forward to it. We’ve grown up going to each other’s tournaments.”

But due to COVID-19, the Kansas State High School Activities Association canceled the spring sports seasons.

And the Millers missed their chance to play together on the same team.

“It was sad,” Abby Miller said. “I was looking forward to teaching her how to do stuff, guiding her and everything. We play catch a lot in our backyard, and sometimes we go to the cage and hit. We like to do things together.

“… We’re close on and off the field. She’s my best friend.”

Miller, a shortstop, expected Avery to have a shot at earning varsity time at third base.

“That would have been the coolest part,” Miller said. “We would have been right by each other.

Miller was also saddened that she missed the chance to work for a Class 5A berth with her team.

“I was heartbroken. I was really looking forward to being with my team one last time.I think we would have easily made it to state,” she said. “I had a lot of confidence. We have a really good bond, and it’s a team sport and we’re good at playing together…. We were solid all the way through.”

Miller’s softball career is over, although she hopes to play summer ball.

“That’s my wish,” she said. “A lot of my teammates on my school team are on my summer team. It would be just as fun.”