By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
Faith Maberry left her mark on the Okarche softball program over the last four years.
The senior third baseman helped lead the Warriors to 18 wins across the fall fast pitch and spring slow pitch seasons this year. She hit .430 with three home runs and 35 RBI in the fall before blowing up spring slow pitchers to the tune of 10 homers with 13 doubles and 46 RBI while hitting .651.
Maberry learned plenty of lessons during her four years on the diamond at Okarche. She has big plans for her future as she heads to Southwestern Christian University in Bethany to not only play softball, but to also focus on what she will do after athletics.
Maberry provided some insight into her four years at Okarche and what she plans to do next in an interview with sports editor Trey Hunter. Here is what she had to say:
Q: What is your favorite hobby outside of softball and why?
A: I’d probably have to say running. I run a lot and play tennis. I do a lot of active things. I can’t stand to waste time doing nothing so I really try to stay active outside of softball.
Q: Have you grown up or lived in Okarche your whole life? What is your favorite part about growing up in a small town and going to school at Okarche?
A: I came to Okarche in seventh grade. Before that I went to a little school fell down the street from my house in Calumet. I just love that you can feel part of the community in a small town. It seems like everyone in Okarche is family. Every one has each other’s backs.
Q: What is your favorite subject in school and why?
A: I’d have to say Spanish. For two years I had the best teacher ever, Senora Simmons. Knowing Spanish allows me to communicate with my Hispanic friends. I went on a mission trip and talked to the people in Spanish and I thought that was awesome. It’s a great way to connect with people.
Q: Who would you say is your hero? It could be a family member, athlete, etc. and why?
A: My hero is definitely my mom. She always gives me 100-percent support and care and she literally does everything she can. She just makes me happy and keeps me motivated to do things the right way. She’s a big reason for all of my success and everything I’ve gained and she’s a great role model.
Q: Have you chosen what you want to study in college? Why?
A: I’m planning on double-majoring in psychology and special education. I’ve always loved helping people and I feel like I have my own ways to communicate with people with disabilities. I’d love to be a special needs counselor.
Q: What is your favorite moment playing for the basketball team in your career and why?
A: Junior year. It was my first year as a steady starter and we were playing OCA. It was the longest game we’ve ever played and the most intense. The energy we had that helped us beat them was amazing. We all had our own little celebration. OCA was a great team so that was one of the best feelings ever.
Q: What has been your biggest takeaway or lesson that you’ve learned while playing softball and why?
A: Patience and confidence. Those are two of the most important things to me really in general. Patience to work on things and to handle being critiqued and then the confidence to use those critiques to get better.
