Admirable Senior: Gracie Starrett to Hang Up Her Bat at the End of the Season

Photo by Danielle Gittens

Gracie Starrett is a student-athlete here at WGHS. Gracie is a powerful pitcher on the varsity softball team who is determined to set herself up for her future goals as an upcoming tech school student.
by Lilly Ottens and Amelia Nandkishwar

​Gracie Starrett is a student-athlete here at WGHS. Gracie is a powerful pitcher on the varsity softball team who is determined to set herself up for her future goals as an upcoming tech school student.

Gracie took motivation from her mom, who also played softball. She explains, “My mom played it, so I just kind of grew up doing it.” Her mom not only played softball but coached Gracie throughout her journey: “She was my coach from when I started all the way until I was, I want to say, thirteen.” She used her mom's profound skills from her early years of playing softball to stay inspired. Her dedication to softball has grown through keeping up the tradition of playing for a lengthy amount of time. Gracie explains her softball journey has been going on for “probably about 13 years now.”

Preparation is an important aspect of softball. Gracie says, “I make sure I go to bed at a good time, and I finish all my homework.” She makes sure to stay well-rested to avoid being absentminded during games. Gracie ensures that her schoolwork is completed so she can focus on practicing. Although preparation is important, having a positive mindset can increase performance during games as well. She advises, “Just stay confident in what you do and don't get down on yourself.”

Being on a softball team for an extended period of time comes with proud moments. Gracie explains, “Probably when we made it to the Sweet Sixteen last year.” Making the last few rounds of playoffs is an incredible accomplishment.

Despite the fact that she is still at the beginning of her senior year, Gracie has decided on her future. After playing softball for the majority of her life, she does not want to pursue softball after high school. Gracie instead wants to focus on graduating and going into the workforce. Gracie explains, “I do not want to go professional. I just want to graduate high school and go into work.” When she graduates, Gracie is also considering going to technical school and studying healthcare: “I was thinking about maybe dental... to be a dental hygienist.”

After thirteen years in the game, Gracie is ready to hang up her bat and move into the next chapter of her life.