By Ken Hansard
As preseason begins, Emily Shriver is ready to make another strong impact for the Pittsburg Dragons softball team. The talented outfielder is eager to reunite with her teammates and build on last year’s impressive success. After finishing the season with a 23–3 overall record, earning regional champion honors, placing fourth at state, and winning the tough SEK League, the Dragons have high expectations — and Shriver believes they are up to the challenge.
Shriver embraces her role as both competitor and cheerleader. “I see myself as a leader in the outfield. I also see myself as kind of the ‘team cheerleader’ in the dugout.”
Emily’s personal goals this season include improving her batting average and committing minimal errors in the field. With regionals determining a trip to state, she understands the importance of staying focused when it matters most. “We want to take it one step at a time, but the goal is to be at our best when it counts the most.”
Despite not playing travel ball in the offseason, Shriver stayed committed by practicing at home and working with others to sharpen her skills. Her dedication paid off last year. After struggling at the plate prior to last year, she broke out of her slump and posted outstanding offensive numbers: a .449 batting average, .725 slugging percentage, 31 hits, 31 runs, and 24 RBIs. “Once I broke out of my slump, I feel like I improved a lot and ended up having a really good year.”
A multi-sport athlete who has lettered in basketball, tennis, cheer, powerlifting, and softball, Shriver carries an impressive 4.19 GPA. She plans to attend Labette Community College before transferring to Pitt State to pursue a career as a physical therapist.
