For Pittsburg High School shortstop Laney Trisler, softball is as much about faith and relationships as it is about range and reaction time. A junior on the Dragons’ varsity squad, Trisler anchors the infield while balancing a busy life in the classroom, on campus and in the community.
“Jesus. He has been my rock in a hard place, and he pushes me to be a better person everyday spreading joy, love, patience, and kindness,” Trisler said. “He is who gives me strength and has given me all my opportunities.” That perspective shows up in her routines, including a small but meaningful ritual before every at-bat.
“I first draw a cross in the dirt, while doing so I’ll see if my coach gave me a sign,” she said. “Then, I step into the box, do a circle and tap the plate. While I’m at the plate I think of my approach, what has everyone said about her pitches? Inside? Outside? Spin? Did she walk a bunch or what is her rhythm like, this is what prepared me to know what to expect. I will look for ‘my pitch’.”
On defense, Trisler patrols shortstop, a position she says demands constant readiness.
“Shortstop, I’d say the hardest thing about the position is having such a large range to cover and having to be ready to move everywhere,” she said.
Around the diamond, she leans on traditions and teammates. Asked for the best unwritten rule in softball, she doesn’t hesitate: “Never step on the chalk foul lines when leaving or entering the diamond.”
The team’s chemistry is a big part of why she loves the game.
“It creates a close bond and you have a team to back you up when you may not be having the best day or to hype you up when you have a great day,” Trisler said. “I love how we can all laugh and have a good time together yet we still come to work.”
She credits former teammate Brette Pasteur as “the most vocal and always made sure everyone knew what was going on,” and says AnnaLynn Hudson “most definitely keeps everyone laughing by never knowing what she’s going to say or do next.” Breck Slaughter, she added, “is very humble and very good at the same time.”
Away from the field, Trisler’s favorite subject is education because she hopes to become an elementary school teacher, and she names Mrs. Sanford, her ninth grade Earth and space science teacher, as a favorite. She is involved in FCA, GBL, Special Olympics, volleyball, cheerleading and student council, and even finds time to volunteer at the public library.
Athletics, she said, have given her a lesson she plans to carry forward: “You can never give up, and you will never be the best so you have to continue working hard and trying to get better every single day. Consistency is key.”
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