Paiton Hedges enters her junior year at Jenks High School as a member of the varsity softball team under head coach Todd Williams. As the starting catcher, Hedges gets a bird’s eye view of the field during play. We wanted to know what she loves about the game, her teammates and representing Jenks High School.
VYPE: How long have you played softball and what was the name of the first team you played for as a youth?
Hedges: I have been playing softball for 11 years now. The very first team that I played for was the Diamond Diva’s out of Jenks.
VYPE: Entering your junior year, what are you looking forward to the most?
Hedges: The thing I am looking forward to the most is just being able to play with my teammates and having another year representing the Jenks name.
VYPE: Behind the plate, you get to see your defense make amazing plays. What’s the most memorable defensive play you remember seeing or being part of?
Hedges: The most memorable play that I remember being in was during a fast pitch game my sophomore year. We were in a tied game versus Stillwater for district play and there was a runner at 2nd. If she scored, they would win and we would lose the title of district champions. The batter placed a bunt down and there was an overthrow at first. Our right fielder, Avery Brewer, was backing up the throw. She got to the ball as the runner was rounding third going home. Avery threw the ball to me, and I tagged the runner for the third out. After that we moved to an International Tie Breaker inning to eventually win the game.
VYPE: You’re also known as a solid hitter at the plate. How much do you work on your hitting?
Hedges: I work on hitting multiple times a week from lessons to batting practices at home or with my team. Anytime I get a chance to do extra hitting I will.
VYPE: Who are some of your teammates we need to keep an eye on this season?
Hedges: A couple of my teammates that you should keep an eye out for are McKenzie Cothran, who has a wide range from diving to stop the ball to jumping and catching line drives. Jordyn Cook who is an up-and-coming shortstop with a strong arm. Lastly, Isabella Rodman who is a versatile player who hits spots well while pitching.
VYPE: When you’re in the dugout, who is having the most fun?
Hedges: In the dugout, the people that are having the most fun are Samantha Painter and Ava Faust. They are always positive and keep the energy up no matter the circumstance. Samantha gives pep talks and makes people laugh when needed. Ava’s energy keeps the dugout alive, and she always finds a way to make us laugh.
VYPE: In the classroom, what is your favorite subject, and do you have a favorite teacher?
Hedges: My favorite subject in school is English. My favorite teacher is Ms. Wright. She has been my Sports Marketing teacher for the past two years. She followed along with softball, and we would talk about softball related things in class such as how the WCWS was going.
VYPE: What do you love most about representing Jenks High School?
Hedges: What I love most about representing Jenks is being apart and being able to continue the athletic legacy it holds.
VYPE: What message do you want to send to your teammates coming into the new season? Hedges: A message that I want to share with my teammates would be to lead with faith and trust the process. Softball is a huge part of each and every one of our lives, but it doesn’t define who you are as an individual.
