AS IS THE CASE FOR ANY CHAMPIONSHIP-CALIBER SOFTBALL TEAM, SUCCESS BEGINS WITH THE CAPABILITY OF A PROGRAM’S BULL-PEN TO PERFORM UNDER PRESSURE.
Fortunately for Barbers Hill, their starting pitcher Hailey Nutter has a knack for that sort of thing, which has made her one of the best pitchers in the state of Texas.
So, where did it all begin?
“My Mom played in high school and she has always inspired me to compete and play at the collegiate level,” said Nutter.
That inspiration paid off, since Nutter committed to play at the University of Kentucky just a few months ago.
“It just felt like home up there,” she said. “I really fit in with girls who are going to be there when I join the team my freshman year. The coaches made me feel welcome, and they still talk to me to this day. I felt really wanted at Kentucky and I really loved the experience.“
"I’ll be kind of far from home, but I know that I’ll stay busy and remain focused on what I need to do. I won’t let anything distract me from my game and school when I’m there.”
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Barbers Hill junior will eventually play for a Division I team like Kentucky, but she does get her opponents’ best at-bat.
“It (the attention she’s garnered) doesn’t really affect me if I’m being honest,” Nutter said. “All I can do is stay focused on the task at hand and remain calm. When we’re on the field, it’s just me and the catcher – that’s the only thing that matters to me when pitching.“
"I don’t let the fans or anyone get in my head because I know that messes with my game. That cannot happen, especially in the big moments.”
Similar to most ball-clubs, some of last year’s stars have since graduated. But the Eagles still carry the distinction of having one of the most complete rosters in all of Class 5A.
After falling to the eventual State Champs Lake Creek in a Regional Semifinals slug-fest a year ago, Barbers Hill will undoubtedly have their sights set on flipping the script this Spring.
“I’m really hoping to win it all,” said Nutter. “Our goal is the same as it’s always been... to win State. But it’s all about the process. We just need to focus on one game at a time and to stay healthy along the way.”
Nutter and the Eagles are prepared to let the good times roll this Spring. Let’s see if they can cap it off with some hardware come June.