The Shadow
Covington Lady Cougars sophomore Laken Cantrell grew up around sports. Her father and grandpa used to coach her, and she started tee-ball at just four years old. Ever since that time, Cantrell developed a love for softball and started travel ball at eight years old and is still a travel ball participant to this day.
Once a good volleyball player and dancer, the now 15-yeard old gave those up and focuses solely on the grass field for which she has built a passion.
“I feel like I’ve always liked the competitiveness with softball. I’ve just always enjoyed working to better myself and achieving my goals. It also lets me travel to a bunch of different places and gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of new and great people. Which led me to loving the sport more than any others I played at the time,” Cantrell said.
As of May 4, Cantrell is hitting .385 with 13 RBIs and 16 runs scored and is an integral part of the young Lady Cougars 8-8 team, and with just a few weeks left, Cantrell wants to win and better herself as a player and teammate.
“The goals I have for the rest of this season are to help the team achieve victory and finish top in our district. I hope for us to do well in regions as well, but my ultimate goal is to just be a better player and teammate than I was last year and continue to build and grow throughout the years I have left,” she stated.
As mentioned above, Cantrell’s dad and grandpa have played a huge role in her sports career, and her whole family has as well.
“My dad and my grandpa have played a huge role in sports with me. Ever since I was little, I have been coached by them and they have always done everything they could to support me, along with the rest of my family. They also push me to be the best player I can possibly be. They are always at every game and tournament I have and will always stay after practice to work on something with me if needed. I couldn’t thank my family enough,” Cantrell explained.
That support should last at least two more years, but next year things will be slightly different with Cantrell wearing Alleghany across her jersey. However, the outfielder is full of hope and positivity with the looming change.
“The staff and coaches here at Covington High School have done a great job on preparing me and giving me the skills and mindset I will need going into next year’s school year at Alleghany,” she added.
Her coaches have also helped her on the field by displaying their own work ethic to Cantrell and the rest of her teammates.
“Coach Taylor and all the other coaches have helped me a lot this year. They are always supportive of me and believe in me and my capabilities. They show up to practice every day and put in the work to make me and the rest of the team better,” Cantrell said.
So, when you see the Cougars on the field next year, it will not be Covington. However, Cantrell hopes to still be wandering around out in the outfield ready to help her new team.
“I’m cautiously optimistic about the consolidation next year. I think it will bring a lot of new challenges but will ultimately result in better things,” the youngster concluded.
