By Hayden Swope
Southeast of Saline’s Bryna Baird put a whole new meaning behind playing for someone you love, and she proves herself every time she’s up to pitch.
“Softball has its ups and downs, but it always seems constant in my life,” Baird said. “I play for a woman whom I concede to my biggest fan, who lost her battle with cancer in July of 2022. I now dedicate every game I play to her because she is the reason I have confidence in this sport. I fell in love with this sport when I started pitching at nine.”
While Baird has the hope and pride to play every game to the fullest, she’s excited to see that fire in all of her teammates as well.
“The most memorable moment this year has been watching my senior teammates have the grit and determination on their faces to make it back to the state tournament again,” Baird said. “Each game, we get hungrier and hungrier.”
Baird spent the offseason training and conditioning for spring ball, and she has numerous goals she’s hoping to cross off the list this season.
“This year, I have focused on achieving a higher batting average,” Baird said. “I have also been focusing on the spin of my ball and critiquing my best pitches. Overall, I want to increase all my statistics. I would like to return to the state tournament and bring home gold as a team.”
Baird also has big goals and aspirations for her future after graduation.
“I plan to attend Wichita State University in the fall,” Baird said. “I will major in nursing and minor in business and entrepreneurship. I plan to become an aesthetic nurse practitioner and own my own practice.”
