Highlights from Home: Softball

The student-athlete experience at Lake Forest College is more than just practice and competition, and this year extends across the country and, in some cases, around the world. Forester teams are like families and their members support each other and the community in numerous ways.

This fall, student-athletes at the College are attending classes remotely, finding ways to keep in touch with one another, and continuing to be active and successful Foresters. The "Highlights from Home" series gives them an opportunity to share their experiences.

This update on the softball team was sent in by senior second baseman/pitcher Shaye Gauthier.

	Our team is close-knit, and even now we make time to meet on Zoom weekly as a team to have a dialogue about the book we are reading together, The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Tim Gallwey, from a leadership perspective.
	Also, we have weekly small group meetings where upper classmen and new players have the opportunity to develop relationships and act as a support system for one another in school, fitness, and beyond.
	I am fortunate to live with another Forester softball player, my younger sister Brie, who is a sophomore. We have grown much closer since transitioning to online school and enjoy taking study breaks to get coffee or go thrift shopping.
	Several of our upper classmen are in the process of applying for jobs and internships, as well as graduate school. It is a stressful time for many, but we are getting through it together.
	One of our junior transfers, Carlie Mertz, has used her time at home to become a certified group fitness instructor at Orangetheory Fitness. She has been enjoying enriching the lives of others through these classes.
	Additionally, many of our players coach as a way to stay connected to softball. Not only does it enhance their knowledge of the game, it helps them to empower the next generation of female athletes.
	As a team, we are really looking forward to spring, our new season, and utilizing our new turf field (pictured). We are counting down the minutes until we get to see each other and play the game that brought us together.
	- Shaye