Bailey Way of Andover High School is having a great spring softball season. The junior is carrying a batting average of .727 and on on-base-percentage of .793. In her first six games, Way has three doubles, five triples and has scored 13 runs. Way said she loves the energy this team brings to the field every time they play or practice.
“The thing I love most about my team is the energy we have and the fun we are having. Our coaches always encourage us and push us to be the best player we can be,” said Way. “My freshman year I broke my hand in the beginning of the season and without playing last year, this was my first time to be able to compete. This year I decide to leave it all on the field and just stay relaxed. I also have a great hitting coach, Tom Buchanan, that I work with year-round.”
The shortstop has played softball for most of her young life, starting the game at the age of five years old.
“I have grown up watching both my sisters play softball. They both played in college, so it just seemed like a natural fit for me,” said Way. “My sisters played softball at Andover and finished third at state after defeating Bishop Carroll in 2016, plus my mom went to school at AHS. I have support from all my teachers and encouragement from the student body.”
Getting back on the field this year was big for Way and her teammates. Head coach Amisha Daniels wanted this team to continue improving and growing as a team. Way feels they have done just that in a very short time frame.
“We were so excited to know the season was going to happen. My freshman year we were 4-16, but we knew after our first practice together this year that we were going to have a much better team. We have great pitching and great offense and defense. We have some really talented underclassmen that contribute a lot to our success. Since I have only played less than half a season since entering high school it really makes me appreciate my time on the field,” said Way.
Academics are the top priority for Way. She carries a cumulative GPA of 3.9 and hopes to carry that through her entire high school career. Her future plans include pursuing a degree at Arkansas Tech while playing softball.
“I am super excited to get to play under coach McSweeney, such a great coach and program,” said Way.
This summer she will continue playing with her club team, Texas Glory Kansas.
Way had one message for her teammates at Andover High School, “give it everything you got, if things don’t go your way keep fighting and push to finish strong. Encourage each other on and off the field. That is what will help us be successful. I would love to see us make it to state this year.”
