By Cooper Chadwick
Committed to play D-ll softball next year at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, Salina Central senior Valerie VanZant’s skills are not limited to just the softball field.
VanZant has a love for working with large exotic animals as well, that’s why she will be majoring in Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Medicine when she gets to the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Head coach Alyssa Waldron likes to tell everyone that VanZant is going to be the next Jane Goodall.
On the field VanZant is just as talented. Last year she set the school’s all-time home run record as well as the pitching strikeout record with 118 strikeouts and received league honors at shortstop.
VanZant’s skill was not just handed to her, it was a result of all the work she has put in over the years, and her competitive fire that drives her in all she does.
“Val is the most competitive athlete I’ve ever coached. I could tell the team that they are racing to the restroom and back on a water break, and she will be the first one back asking what she gets as a prize,” Waldron said.
Even though VanZant has work to do herself to be ready at the college level, she still uses a lot of time to help the underclassmen grow their game.
“My personal goal this year is to keep improving and to set a good example for the other girls,” VanZant said. “I have been attending winter workouts to get to know the new freshmen better and I believe our team will be new enough this year that everyone can build together.”
