Lady Wave Softball - Senior Interview

Lady Wave Softball Senior Interview

It’s almost that time of year. The temperature is starting to slowly rise, and soon the flowers will be blooming. For those of us who love fast pitch softball, the excitement is starting to build. For the five Senior members of the Midway High School Lady Wave softball team, this is the last year of what has been a great run. Three years, three trips to the State Tournament in Murfreesboro. Recently, we had the honor of asking the girls a few questions.

Barry Narramore: This is the last year girls. We sure have enjoyed watching y'all play. Alex Coffman, I still remember watching you playing second base on Chris Griffin's 7 and 8 year old team. I knew then what a great player you would be. I also remember you pitching on that 10 and Under team that me and Sharon coached. Kati and Ashley Alexander, you both have always had the biggest hearts on the team. The team that me and Sharon Parks coached that y'all played on was such a great year. That year, I fell in love with fast pitch softball and you girls. Do you remember going to Rockwood for that hitting clinic with Darrell Williams? You both had big hits in the next ballgame after that clinic and y’all were so excited. Hannah Colyer, you have made your name known all over East Tennessee. Most people around here have heard of Hannah Colyer. You don't realize it now, but in the years to come you will realize what that will mean to you. Krystal Rue, about five years ago, I had a pitcher and catcher, but I didn't have a team. I had just about decided to take Taylor Narramore and Haley Parks to play travel ball, when a man I had known since I was a kid told me his girls would like to play ball. So we took a pitcher and a bunch of girls who had never played fast pitch softball and finished second in the State Tournament. We would never have made it to that Tournament if it hadn't been for a tall blond shortstop who worked her butt off to help her team win. Thank you for that season and that huge win over Rockwood when we cut your dad's rat tail off. That's what it's all about. Having fun, being together and winning ballgames. Girls, ten years from now you will not remember the petty fusses with the other girls, or what it was that you may have liked or not liked about this coach or that coach. You will remember all the great times and big wins or tough losses. So forget about trivial things and have a great time. Anyway, girls, here’s the first question:

You Seniors have made it to the State Tournament in Murfreesboro in each of the last three years. Do you feel any pressure to make it four straight?

Hannah Colyer: Umm, yeah, pretty much. I just don't want to be known as the team that "could have" made it there for the fourth year in a row. I want to be that team that makes it four years in a row. (Hannah smiles.)

Kati Alexander: Of course I do. It's like everyone expects us to make it, so we have to. If we don't, it's like we let everyone down.

Alex Coffman: Personally, I do feel the pressure to return to State, but I also am confident that we will be there ready to give it our all.

Krystal Rue: Yes, I do. It’s like if we don't make it this year, we have just went backward instead of improving.

Ashley Alexander: Yes, because since we have been three years in a row, we have really big targets on our backs. Everyone is trying their best to keep us from going back.

Shawn Renfro:: How do you think the team has improved since you left the field in Murfreesboro last spring?

Alex: Well, you know it's hard to improve on perfection… (Alex laughs.) But seriously, I can see improvement in our hitting.

Hannah: Well, we will definitely be more in shape this year. Although I'm still slow as crud.

Ashley: We have all improved in different ways. We have been working a lot on our hitting. I think that some girls have also improved on their fielding.

Kati: Mostly, I think our hitting has improved. We've worked on it really hard since the end of last season. Kind of like, “See the ball, Hit the ball.”

Krystal: I think that we are getting better at batting, because we work at it sooo much. (Krystal frowns.)

Barry: In last year's Sub-State game against Unaka, the game was tied in extra innings. All-State pitcher Hannah Colyer had just driven the ball to the fence and had been thrown out at third base while trying to turn a double into a triple. While sliding into third, Hannah jammed her ankle on the base and lay writhing in pain on the field. What was the first thought that went through your mind when you realized your ace pitcher might not to able to continue this game?

Ashley: “Oh, my gosh! We are about to go to State and our best pitcher is hurt!”

Krystal: Oh no, Hannah is hurt… I do not think she can walk. What shall we do?!

Kati: “Holy Crap! We have to score right now or its over!”

Alex: “Oh, no! If we win this game, then there goes our chance of doing good at State ‘cause our pitcher just broke her leg!”

Hannah: Well, my thoughts were, "I need speed training” and “I should have stopped when told.” I do any other time.

Shawn: You obviously have a lot of community support. Your games are very well attended and the younger girls in the community really look up to you. Do those things affect the way you carry yourselves on and off the field?

Hannah: Definitely. Because little girls don’t need to look up to someone who is going to be a bad influence to them.

Ashley: Yes, because the younger girls look up to us and I don't want to be a bad influence.

Kati: Definitely! When we have a lot of people at our games, especially the younger girls, I try to keep my cool. If I make a mistake, I try to make it seem like it doesn’t bother me and shake it off, even though deep down, I'm hittin’ myself.

Krystal: Yes, they do. But you can’t really let it get to you too much, ‘cause it will just affect your game.

Alex: It makes me very proud to have the strong support system of our community. I hope the younger ball players will continue the Lady Waves’ winning tradition. From what I've seen of the younger girls, they are capable of having a great team and I wish them the best.

Barry: We are looking for a name for this year's team video. Would each of you submit a name such as “The Bad News Bears” or “Green Lightning” for this year's video?

Ashley: “Super Freaky.” (Ashley laughs.)

Hannah: Oh gosh, this is hard… "The Tuff and Buff." (Hannah laughs.)

Kati: “Bustin' Ours, So We Can Kick Yours!”

Alex: Umm... “The Green Machines.” (Alex laughs.)

Krystal: “The Amazingly Awesome, Fantastically Cool, Hypnotic… Oh, Did I Mention Awesome?… Lady Waves!”

Shawn: As you look back on your playing career at MHS, what have been the most memorable moments to you so far?

Alex: It'd probably have to be my sophomore year, when I hit six out of the park home runs. (Alex smiles.) I'll always remember that!

Kati: When I ran face first into the fence, and probably all the fun that we've had at the State Tournaments, even though we've never won a game there.

Hannah: Oh, my gosh. It has to be my freshman year at State. Kelly Mullis, Tiffany Ferraiolo, me, my sister Heather, Kati, and I think and some other softball girls were in the hotel weight room and we were just playing around on the equipment. Kelly decides to tell everyone how fast the treadmill can go. Well, then Tiffany says, "Let me try to run on it." So Tiffany jumps on the treadmill with both feet at the same time and totally wiped out. She put a hole in the wall with her toe. Everyone was laughing so hard that we couldn’t even get up to help her off the treadmill. It was so funny, but Tiffany broke her toe, and ended up having to have surgery.

Ashley: When we went to Webb to play my junior year, Haley Parks was trying to catch a fly ball and she flipped over the fence!

Krystal: When Haley cracked her rib at Webb, when Kati face-planted the fence and had a bruise shaped like it, and when Ashley fell flat on her butt trying to slide into home.

Barry: Girls, 20 years from now, people will still be talking about the past few seasons of Lady Wave Softball. What do you hope they will remember about you personally?

Krystal: I personally just hope that they remember my name… and spell it right if they write it down…

Kati: That I always gave my all for the team, and that I tried to have a good attitude and be a leader for the younger girls.

Alex: I hope people will think I was an all-around good athlete and great ball player, and that I gave it my all every time.

Hannah: I hope people remember that even though I have made the personal decision not to play college softball, I still love the game and will miss it everyday when it is over.

Ashley: Even though I didn't get to play much, I was always there yelling and supporting my team!

Shawn: Your class has been the most successful group in the history of the MHS softball program. What can you tell your younger teammates and other future Lady Waves that will most help them?

Ashley: Always play as a team, and if there is something going on between two or more of the players, never let it affect the way you play as a team.

Kati: Keep a good attitude on the field. Never let anything or anyone bring you down.

Hannah: Stay as close of friends as you can be. It really helps when you get along with everyone on the team!

Alex: One important lesson I've learned (some say still learning) is to always have a good attitude.

Krystal: Keep your head up and do not let other people affect the way you play.

Barry: Girls, if you can, give me one short story from one Youth League game. I don't care if it was 10 and Under, 12 and Under or whatever. You girls have played a ton of games and I know there is at least one story out there that was a great game or a great play. Maybe you remember something one of the other girls did that was a great play to win a game, or maybe was not a big deal but was very funny. Think hard and give our fans on SORSN something good, funny or just memorable.

Hannah: It wasn't in a game, but we had a parent-kid game when I was in 14 and Under, I think. If us kids won against our parents, then my Dad, David Alexander and John Alexander had to let us all put make-up on them... Let's just say they were the prettiest boys I have ever seen. (Hannah laughs.)

Ashley: I don't remember much about the games in the Youth League, because we have played so many games since then. I really can't remember the games, but I always loved the practices. We had really good and funny coaches: Wesley Colyer, Barry Narramore, David Alexander and Sharon Parks. They always made it fun!

Alex: Probably the time we cut John and David Alexander’s hair. It was sooo funny. (Alex smiles.)

Kati: When we were on the 12 and Under team, we were practicing on the top field. Another school's 16 and Under team showed up to play our 16 and Under, only they weren't there, so we played them instead. They thought it would be an easy game, but we tied! The expressions on their faces were priceless!

Krystal: Sorry… I never played with the other Seniors. I was younger and always stayed down a year. (Krystal frowns.)

Barry: Thanks, girls. You are a special bunch! Good luck with your Senior Season. Go Lady Waves!

Final at Bat with Lacey Davidson

The last four years, Lacey Davidson has been the poster child for heart and dedication to Lady Wave athletics. She’s been a staple for rebuilding the basketball program and has been apart of building the current fast-pitch softball program from the ground up. Barry Narramore said it best,

“Replacing Lacey Davidson at third base next season will be hard. Replacing her in the hearts of Midway softball fans... that will be impossible.”

Since sorsn.com began in 2004, we’ve enjoyed having fun with, polking fun at, and watching Ms. Lacey Davidson. This young lady deserves all the best that life has to offer her and we are honored for one final interview with this Lady Wave.


SORSN: First off, congratulations on an outstanding athletic career as a Green Wave. Looking back, what has been some of you most memorable moments?

Lacey: Well there are several! I have enjoyed something specific every year but one that really stands out is getting to play one year with my sister! Those were some of the best times. Also getting the chance to play ball for my school and doing well the whole time I played!

SORSN: You’ve been a dedicated member to both the basketball and softball program. What advice do you give to someone trying to decide whether or not to play multiple sports or focus on a single sport?

Lacey: Wow, well all I can say on that is... just follow your heart. If you have to, just try doing both of them, you never know. It may be that you do like it or maybe not. Also, it is A LOT of work; it is a constant run run run situation. You are always doing something!!

SORSN: For the last several years, you’ve asked me on a consistent basis, “Are you coming to our game? When are you coming to cover our games? Why haven’t you been to our games?” Now that you will soon be a spectator and no longer a player, are you going to be at the games? Will you cover the games for sorsn? Can you work a camera?

Lacey: Yes in the future I do plan to attend games, and if you need my help to cover games then (most) the games you don't make it to I will help. And yes I can work a camera. :)

SORSN: If you could write your own script for you final game, final at-bat; describe the scenario, setting, and how it would play out?

Lacey: Ok I would want to be at least at a game in State. 2 outs. We are down one in the bottom of the 11th inning with someone on 2nd. I slowly walk up to bat and get the sign. Step into the box and the first pitch, slam one over the left field fence! That would be awesome! A walk-off home run to end my career!!!

SORSN: Walking away from Midway High School, what will you miss the most?

Lacey: Well it won't be the class work or any of that but it is going to be sports! They have been a big part of my life and are slowly coming to an end! It’s very bittersweet that it’s almost over!

SORSN: What do you leave behind to the underclassmen?

Lacey: Michelle - My laziness! She and I are two of the laziest people I have ever seen!!
And every one else- Best of luck in upcoming seasons! Continue to keep capturing District, Region, and Sub-State Titles! And Go Lady Waves!

SORSN: What are your plans for the summer? Work? College? Theme parks? (never mind, forgot about the height restrictions)

Lacey: Hahaha! Very NOT funny! Well the first part of summer I will be settling into my new house. And then there is my beach trip, Virginia, work :(, and fun before starting Roane State in the fall.



We at sorsn.com would like to thank you for allowing us to watch and be apart of your career at MHS. You’ve shown what being from “SOR” and playing for the Green & White is all about and given the fans plenty to cheer and be proud of. We wish you the best in this year’s softball tournament and in your life after high school.

Interview with Kati Alexander

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Kati Alexander. As everyone SOR should know, Kati plays first base for the Lady Wave softball team.

Q: How do you think this year's team stacks up against your two previous High School teams?

Kati: I'm not completely sure yet. We lost a great catcher, but we have two girls that are steppin' up and fillin' that spot. I think, all in all, we're gonna have a pretty good team that will work hard and hopefully make it back to State for the third year in a row.

Q: You’ve won district titles, region titles, and played in the State Tournament. What drives you to continue to put in the effort needed to stay competitive?

Kati: For me, it's Rockwood. We played them so many times last year that I lost count. When we won district the last two years, they were the team that we had to beat. We even played them for region title my freshman year. I just love the feelin' after we've played them and sent them home with a loss. They are what gives me the drive to win.

Q: You’ve been a part of the softball program and you've seen it rise to the top. What would you credit the steady improvement of the program over the last several years to?

Kati: Most of us have played together since we were nine, so we're all kind of like a family instead of a team. We've had great coaches that push us and want us to win. Hard work and determination have really paid off.

Q: What does it mean now for someone to say, “I’m a member of the Lady Wave softball team?”

Kati: I've been able to say that for a long time and it just keeps gettin' better every year. Everyone knows who you are South of the River, but you can go to most places in East Tennessee and they're gonna know who you are too. I've got friends that play on other teams, and I know that none of them are as proud to say who they play for.

Q: Let's talk about the big "shot heard all the way back in Midway," the home run at Greenback in last year's District Championship. What was going through your head as you rounded the bases?

Kati: Honestly, I was thinkin' about how Rockwood wasn't gonna catch up and how they were probably puttin' themselves down. IT WAS GREAT!!!

Q: Rumor has it, that homer cost your dad, David Alexander, a good chunk of money. Why was that? And did he pay up in a timely manner?

Kati: When I started playin' Youth League, my dad told me he would give me $100 for every over-the-fence home run I hit. Last year at District he told me he would give me $100 for every run that scored off an over-the fence home run. He wished he hadn't said that after I hit it. He owed me $300, and he didn't pay up 'til that summer. That was ok, because I got a car instead.

Q: What are some of the differences between your old coaches and new ones.

Kati: Craig doesn't look anything like Amy. I'm just playin'. Craig and Robbie seem more determined to make something happen and they put determination in us by giving us food whenever we've worked hard. LOL.

Q: Kati, truth is you're a very smart young lady and you make very good grades in school. If you lost a game and brought home a bad grade from class in the same day, what would your dad, David, do? Would he be more likely to say you better get in your room and study or would he say you better get out in the yard and practice softball?

Kati: My dad cares about both, but he would be more likely to tell me that I needed to work on softball. He's the sports person, while my mom hounds me about my grades. It evens out in the end.

Kati, thanks for your time and good luck this season.

Interview with Alex Coffman

The second interview of my pre-season series with members of the Lady Wave softball team is with junior shortstop Alex Coffman.

Q: Alex, We've been watching you play either baseball or softball since you were seven years old. After nine years, are you suffering any burnout or is the game still fun to play?

Alex: NO. I don't think I will ever get burned out. The more I play, the more I love it.

Q: Tell us what it means to be called a Lady Wave softball player.

Alex: To me, it means working hard and becoming a winner, while having fun.

Q: Last season, you hit six out-of-the park home runs. Do you know as soon as the ball comes off the bat that it’s gonna go over?

Alex: Usually, yes. There's just this, almost weightless feel when I hit it over.

Q: You started playing fast-pitch with Sharon Parks as coach, then Wesley Colyer was your coach for several years. Your first two years of High School, your coach was Amy Ladd. Now you have two new coaches. Is it hard to adjust to new coaches or do you just try to learn new things from different coaches?

Alex: I think it is sort of hard to adjust, just because every coach has a different coaching strategy. On the other hand, I have learned different things from all my coaches.

Q: So far, what have been some of your most memorable moments playing softball for the Lady Waves?

Alex: I'll always remember hitting two home runs in a row against South Doyle last year. I was so excited!

Q: Over the years, a regular fixture at the field for games and practice has been your Granny Judy Weaver. When you've had a bad practice or game, does Granny make you do push-ups or try to coach you on what you where doing wrong after you get home?

Alex: No, she doesn't make me do push-ups. I wouldn't be able to do them anyways. LOL. But we always talk about the games and practices, and she lets me know how she thought I played. She is always at the games encouraging me to do my best.

Q: Off the subject Alex, let's say you were in trouble and were given two options:

1- Confess to Granny Judy.
2- Go to Jail.

Which option would you take?

Alex: You mean there's a difference?

Thanks for your time, Alex. Good luck on the upcoming season.

Midway's All-State Pitcher - Hannah Colyer

SORSN: Congratulations on being named All-State; you join a very elite group of Midway High School athletes to earn All-State honors. Tell us about how you found out and what your reaction was. How did your family react to the news?

Hannah: Well, I was visiting family in Michigan. My mom was telling me that the list was coming out soon. A few days later me, mom, dad and my two sisters were sitting in the computer room at my grandmas, and we went on CoachT.com. My mom brought up the list, then all I heard was everyone yelling "you got it" and we were just hugging and they were giving me high fives.

SORSN: What do you do during the off-season? Do you rest the arm or do you continue to train and pitch?

Hannah: I have wanted to be the best that has came thru Midway Softball! I have tough competition so that makes me want it even more.

SORSN: You’ve won district titles, region titles, played in the state tournament on more than one occasion, not to mention all the awards. What drives you to continue to put in the effort needed to stay competitive? Besides mad skillz, what makes you such a great pitcher?

Hannah: HAHA Well I have great support with my family and friends so that makes me want to do even better for them and myself.

SORSN: Fast pitch softball has experienced a lot of growth in Tennessee, not to mention South of the River. Most recently, the Lady Vols played for their first National title, a youth team from Morristown won the Little League Softball World Series last night. What’s it like to be a part of such a growing sport? What do you contribute the growth to?

Hannah: It is really great being a part of the sport. You get more recognition and a lot more respect for playing than there use to be. I contribute the growth to people who are always offering their free time to put into the program.

SORSN: Though the season is a half a year away, any predictions on the 2008 Lady Waves? What do you foresee as the teams strengths, weaknesses?

Hannah: I think we are going to be just as good if not better this year. We have a great freshman pitcher Taylor Narramore, that’s going to help greatly. Our strength is defense; weakness is batting. Our bats can be better but we are still strong there too.

SORSN: Answer the following:
Favorite Athlete – Monica Abbot, she has great confidence
Favorite Team – Of course Lady Vols softball team
Favorite TV Show – MTV Shows/ ESPN when its softball season
Favorite Movie – The Notebook and all Disney ones
Favorite South of the River web site – The SORSN softball section

Interview with Tiffany Ferraiolo

SORSN: You’ve been a part of and seen the softball program rise to the top. What would you contribute the steady improvement in the program over the last several years to?

I would have to say that our success has come from dedicated players and from a great coaching staff. In my four years the seniors have always stepped up and done their job as have the coaches. This past year was the best our team has looked since I’ve been watching the high school team play. I give Ms. Amy Ladd all the credit for making our team the best it has ever been.

SORSN: What does it mean now for someone to say “I’m a member of the Lady Waves’ softball team”?

I can’t speak for the other girls but for me it means a lot. To come from this small community and to say that I have been to state twice in my four years is awesome. People actually know who we are and I know that the girls will keep it that way.

SORSN: You’ve ended a long drought for the softball team. Prior to this season, there hasn’t been a Lady Wave to hit a home run since Sabrina Rucker in 1999. You hit 6 on the year, 4 in the post season. In your opinion why were you able to hit the ball so well in the playoffs? Major Leaguers often comment when they are hitting the ball well that they are “seeing the ball better”; did you feel this way in the post season?

I would have to say that I was beginning to see the ball better. i was also working harder at batting practice. I wanted to lead by example and I think that I accomplished that.

SORSN: As a softball player, did you have any superstitions? If so, what were they?

Yes, I had to drink a Dr. Pepper before and during every game

SORSN: SORSN and Knoxville Coca-Cola would like to thank you for this wonderful product plug.

SORSN: It’s now time to bring embarrassing, perhaps unwanted attention to your teammates. Surely you can share with us a story from the season that the fans never saw or heard about. For example, did anyone pee in their radiator when their truck overheated? (see a member from the ’94 baseball team for explanation and story)

I can’t really think of anything embarrassing that happened. its hard to embarrass these girls. We just goofed off like normal teenage girls. But I’m sure Alex would be embarrassed if everyone could have heard all the stupid things that she said and asked.

SORSN: Most memorable moment for you during your career playing softball for MHS?

How great it felt to lead my team to state my senior year and hit a bomb over the centerfield fence.

SORSN: What’s next for you in your life after MHS?

Well, I was offered two full rides to play softball. One at Vol State (Galltin) and one at Chriton (Memphis). I just have to choose between playing ball and going to UT and just focus on school

Interview with Kelly Mullis

SORSN: You’ve been a part of and seen the softball program rise to the top. What would you contribute the steady improvement in the program over the last several years to?

Kelly: Mostly just all the hard work our coaches, our parents, and we have put into it. Softball, just like every other sport, isn’t one you can just walk onto the field and play and expect to win without any practice or work.

SORSN: What does it mean now for someone to say “I’m a member of the Lady Waves’ softball team”?

Kelly: I remember when I was a freshman and I would say that and people would just be like oh cool you play softball. Now our softball program has become A LOT better and other teams now know of us. It becomes a bigger deal and people now ask questions back like how’s your season going, has Tiffany hit anymore over, what about that Rockwood game, and so on.

SORSN: As a softball player, did you have any superstitions? If so, what were they?

Kelly: Oh yea, I think we all did. The whole team knows about my hot pink sports bra (hope that isn’t too PG-13!) that I wore ever big game it seemed to work very well until state that is. I always made sure I had 2 hot dogs, 2 waters, a small bag of chips, and one of Lacey's gummies(Cherry!) If you think that is a lot ask Tiff about her 3 hot dogs!

SORSN: It’s now time to bring embarrassing, perhaps unwanted attention to your teammates. Surely you can share with us a story from the season that the fans never saw or heard about. For example, did anyone pee in their radiator when their truck overheated? (see a member from the ’94 baseball team for explanation and story)

Kelly: hmmm... let me think! We didn't really have anything too embarrassing. We always tripped Alex, always talked about Hannah's eating habits (MC!), we just always had fun but never peed on anything, sorry!

SORSN: Most memorable moment for you during your career playing softball for MHS?

Kelly: I have a few. Going to state twice, winning region and district championships, Lacey running into Ms. Ladd while rounding third and her falling and rolling around, beating Kingston 12-2, and Tiffany's 6 homeruns!

SORSN: As if you haven’t been asked this 1,000 times already, what’s next for you in your life after MHS?

Kelly: I'm going to follow in my daddy's footsteps and go into Criminal Justice and hope to be in the FBI one day! That is my dream.

SORSN: Your dad, Charlie, is a very low, soft spoken man. Do you ever say “Dad, can you speak up…talk louder, I can’t hear you.”?

Kelly: haha... everyone knows that is a lie. Sometimes I have to say "Dad, calm down and speak a little softer!" It gets really bad sometimes when he is trying to help with whatever sport I may be in at the time. That is except for cheerleading and the only thing he knows about that is we know how to spell!

Interview with Lacey Davidson

SORSN: The Lady Waves are on track for another successful regular season and hopefully postseason. What do you tribute the success the softball program has seen over the last several years to?

Lacey: Well for one last year, was the leadership!! We had true leadership!!! It was so good because we had 5 seniors who knew what they were doing, that just loved playing the game!! For me to stay in line, Lyndsay had to yell a few times across from short to point out every mistake I made, and how I need to fix it and why I made it...you know!!

SORSN: It’s been rumored that you like to call up, talk on the phone, and email married men, namely those on the SORSN staff? Are these rumors true? Are you what is referred to as a “home wrecker”?

Lacey: Very sad to say but yes...kinda...it’s a long story!! :) But seriously, that is horrible...what if people think I really am some kind of housebreaker?? Oh and sorry April...I'll try not to call you lovely husband anymore!!!

(Do you see that April, she called me "lovely")

SORSN: What will be the biggest obstacle the Lady Waves will have to face and overcome in order to make a run to the state tournament?

Lacey: We have only 3 seniors, 1 junior, 1 sophomore, and the rest are freshman!!! That is an obstacle right there!! But really I think it shouldn't be that hard getting back to state, if we keep our heads in the game, we'll be great!! We have a strong defense and a very good pitcher!! That’s a lot!!

SORSN: The Associated Press (AP) has reported that the DVD of the 2005 baseball & softball season is perhaps on of the biggest “must have” DVD’s since Adam Sandler’s Billy Madison. What are your thoughts?

Lacey: Well actually I bought one, watched it, and.....LOVED IT!! It was awesome!! I was watching it and it was so embarrassing because of my facial expressions while the picture was being taken!! it was horrible...but funny!!

SORSN: The Lady Waves are under new leadership this year. Describe the differences between playing for Coach Ladd vs Coach Mitchell?

Lacey: Well, it is a HUGE change!! Last year we had less discipline! I’m not saying there wasn't any, cause if Mitchell gave us "the look" we knew we better calm it down!! But really Ms. Ladd is really strict with us...and I guess that is why we accomplish more?? I don't really know though...its just 2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT coaching strategies!!!!

Interview with Coach Mitchell

Coach Abbie Mitchell
SORSN: It was this time last year when the Lady Waves softball team turned a meager season into the schools first ever State Tournament appearance. How does this year’s team compare to last years? What does your team need to do now in order to have a successfully playoff run?

Abbie: This year’s team seems to be more united. They are very team orientated. I think this comes from the leadership of five seniors. However, we need to play a full seven innings. We're getting in the bad habit of either starting a game and putting it on cruise control or not paying attention and trying to pull it out in the last three innings. When we play an entire game like we're capable, I'll put us up against any team.

SORSN: Tell us about your softball career prior to coming to Midway.

Abbie: My softball career is actually very long. I started at Maryville little league and played there until High School (we didn't have Middle School team). Then I played for four years at William Blount High School. We went to the State Tournament twice, my junior year we placed 3rd in the state. I then went to Union College (KY) on a softball scholarship. At Union I actually still hold several records. I have most games played in the school's Softball history along with the most walks in a season. However, the awards that I'm most proud of are my two NAIA Academic All – American honors. Those mean the most.

After I graduated, I knew I had to Coach. I couldn't handle not being on a softball field. I even coached my Sister's travel team one summer. So during my job interview with Mr. Clower he asked me if I had any questions about the school; my first question was "Do you have a softball team? And it really went from there.

SORSN: In the games that I’ve been to, I’ve noticed you are not one to hesitate to come out of the dug out and dispute, toe-to-toe, with a call. Do you have a thing against those in the blue shirts? Have you ever been tossed out of a game? Have you considered time with yoga master, Jon Russell?

Abbie: I have nothing against umpires who are consistent. I do understand that they're humans and will make mistakes. However, when you constantly make mistakes, I'll be out there every time. I have never been tossed but I'm not afraid to try. I don't think I'd be that great at yoga, I'm too high strung. But yoga with Jon would be worth it.

SORSN: Where do you see the softball program in the future? Any up-and-comers that you are looking forward to having on your team?

Abbie: Midway’s softball program will continue to grow. The district teams are realigning and so we will finally lose CAK. That makes a big difference; public schools just have such a hard time competing against private schools and they shouldn't have to. I see this entire area really developing as softball goes. The parents and community are behind us, and I expect nothing less than really great achievements in the future.

Interview with Brittanie Viar

Brittanie Viar
SORSN: The majority of us have been in a car wreck, most not as severe as yours. I personally decided to clear out some trees with my truck which won me a trip in the UT LifeStar. Can you tell us about the accident, what injuries you sustained, and the surgeries that you’ve undergone? As in my case, the mental recovery can be just as long if not longer than the physical recovery. Following my wreck, it took me several weeks before I was able to get behind the wheel again. The majority of my wreck I can not remember but began having some memories of the event several months afterwards. Could you also tell us about your recovery?

Brittanie: All I remember about the wreck is leaving my house. I don't remember even making it my grandparent’s house which is the next house down the road. When we wrecked and they were tending to me I do remember asking someone what happened and they told me that I had been in a very bad car wreck and I was hurt pretty bad. I also remember trying to fight someone because I was so scared. I didn't know what was going on. I suffered lacerations to my face, broke nose, lost part of my right thumb, broken femur and a stretched PCL. I have 2 metal plates in my head and also a rod and pins in my right leg. I have had 2 nose surgeries, only because the 1st time my nose was worse than when the Doctor started. After I came home from the hospital I started physical therapy for 3 days a week. My recovery for me was very slow, I thought that I would never be able to be back and playing ball again.

SORSN: You made some heroic comebacks over the last couple years. Returning to both the softball and basketball lineups your junior year following the wreck. Returning to the softball lineup following yet another knee surgery. You pushed hard and worked hard to make it back and play for the Green and White, probably harder than anyone will ever know. At any point did you wonder if it was worth all the therapy, all the blood, sweat, and tears, to make it back? Was giving up and just accepting the injuries ever in your thoughts?

Brittanie: I loved softball and basketball very much and have played ever since I was little. I wanted to come back so bad. I hated sitting on the bench or in the dugout watching and knowing I couldn't do anything. Sooo all the blood, sweat and tears were definitely worth coming back and playing.

Give up? No, I remember telling Coach Mitchell in the hospital if I haven't of broken my leg I could have played in 2 weeks. Although I got down on myself, I always tried a little harder to make myself better.

SORSN: I’m sure you’ve been told about the number of visitors that came to the hospital the day of the accident, the majority of which were not able to make it back to see you. As I walked in the ER waiting room and saw that it was standing room only for all those that came from SOR, I tell you Britt, it was an amazing sight. Family, friends, teammates packed the Chattanooga hospital all with hopes and prayers that you would be OK. When you’ve been teammates with the same players over several years, you can develop an amazing bond. There’s always that one teammate that you never have to say anything to…they are thinking the same thing you are…they know what you’re going to do often before you do. One look and that person knows to break to the basket for a bounce pass or work a “give and go”. A good teammate is as critical off the court as they are on. Pushing you to work hard to make that play off and on the court. A “brace” for you when you’re hurt. Who has been that kind of teammate for you?

Brittanie: Whitney Parks has been a great and true friend ever since we were little. We have played ball together since we were little. We know what each others thinking on and off the field without saying a word. That doesn't mean that we haven't had our differences, but she has always been there for me when I needed her most. I could always count on her to be at the hospital or at my house after the wreck. I know that she probably had better things to do than sit and "babysit" her bestfriend but never once did I hear her complain. THANKS WHT!!


SORSN: You’re mom has one of, if not the, best singing voices around. Your dad, back when he topped the scales at 115lbs, had a pure jump shot and was a solid shooter from long range (even though he played before the 3-point line). You’ve got a good gene pool. Since you’re retired from basketball, will you be pursuing a singing career? If I recall, you sang at last year’s graduation ceremony.

Brittanie: Although a singing career is not in the plans right now, that is and will be an open window.

SORSN: It’s known that history buff Michael Hayes, formally known as that crazy man screaming on the sidelines, has an addiction to Dr. Pepper. How many Dr. Pepper’s would you guess that he drinks a day? Could Dr P be the reason he’s always “on edge”? Did you know that he has his neighbor (whom is known to have an inside advantage to the sugar loaded, yet wonderfully tasting, carbonated beverages) buy the drink in bulk? When stores have sales they will often limit the number of cases that you can buy - did you know that he has disguises that he uses in order to buy more than the allotted cases?

Brittanie: I would say 8. He would have 2 for each meal then 1 in between. On game days it would be 10 just for those nerves he would have to calm. He would need 1 during the game so he would have something moist in his mouth for the spitting he would do to get his point across. That could possibly be one of the reasons. I didn't know about the disguises but I believe it.

SORSN: With all that sugar in his system, it’s no wonder why he walks the track in town every evening. We’ve all seen him; bouncing around with his head phones on. What kind of music do you think he’s listening to? Rumor has it that he’s listening to a Richard Simmons work out tape, any truth to this rumor? Have you noticed that no matter how windy it is outside that his hair never moves? Has he ever asked you for some hair gel?

Brittanie: Even though it could be Richard Simmons, I would lean more toward Gretchen Wilson’s "Here for the Party" or Faith Hill. You know he has a thing for those two. As for the hair gel I've heard that he owns stock in a major hair gel company.

(C’on Coach! Gretchen Wilson?? Shouldn’t you pick someone closer to your age, someone like Loretta Lynn? Or one of the other “pioneers” of country music.)

Interview with Ferrailo and Parks

Tiffany Ferrailo
SORSN: The Lady Waves have been on a roll as of late. Similar to last years season where the regular season wasn’t all that great but the team turned up the heat during the post season. Do you foresee a playoff run for this team?

Tiffany: Yes I do. Our team is more united this year. We will carry each other to the playoffs.

SORSN: “Ferrailo” doesn’t seem to be a typical South of the River last name. Did your family migrate here from somewhere north of the bridge? Have you ever thought about hyphenating your last name, “Ferrailo-Davidson” or “Ferrailo-Patterson” to fit in more?

Tiffany: My family came to America from Italy in the 1900's. My sister and I came to Tennessee when we left Connecticut. I'm proud of my heritage, and even though it sticks out it isn't a bad thing.

(Ah, a Connecticut transfer...see the interview with former Lady Wave and now Connecticut resident Aimee Tilley under the “Where Are They Now” section.)

SORSN: During your years of playing softball, what is your most embarrassing moment?

Tiffany: The most embarrassing moment I've had was last year when I was rounding first and tripped over the base.

SORSN: The players seem to really respond to Coach Mitchell. Tell us what it has been like to play for her.

Tiffany: She is great. Mitchell has made it a point to get close to each of her players. That is why I think we respond so well to her. Playing for her it seems like nothing has changed. Ms. Ladd was the coach, but Mitchell was always the one doing the yelling.


Whitney Parks
SORSN: You had a homerun earlier in the season. Tell us about the play. Was that your first career HR?

Whitney: My homerun was at Harriman, and we weren't winning by much and there were a couple on base and I knew someone had to step up. I've actually had 2 or 3 homeruns in my career.

SORSN: Coaches/teachers always seem to have a “phrase” that is unique to them (i.e. Mr. Hirt, “Hells Bells Guys!”). What is Coach Mitchell’s most used quote?

Whitney: She uses quite a few quotes. Some that she uses often are ones like “it's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog”. I'd say that's my favorite because MHS is little and no one really believes in us but our family.

SORSN: During your years of playing softball, what is your most embarrassing moment?

Whitney: I've had a few. My sophomore year I started in left field and right by the fence warning track it was really muddy. I was fielding a ball at the fence and as I was trying to stop, my foot slid under the fence and they had to stop the game to get me out.

(The SORSN staff remembers a similar event back in the early ‘90s. It was a baseball game and the Waves were playing at home. Eric Stone was also playing left field and while trying to field the ball, got his pants leg caught under the fence. They also had to stop the game.)

SORSN: The regular season is almost over. As a senior, do you feel a since of urgency to push hard into the post season to make it a memorable and successful season?

Whitney: Yea, we have lost a few games that we should’ve won then we have won games that no one expected us to. Last year we didn't have a great regular season record, but we pushed hard when it counted. This year the team plays more like a team and I think everyone would like to have another run at state.