Life lessons acquired from softball
By Emilee Mae Struss
Valley-born Wood River High School senior Emily Lizarraga attributes her ambition to the confidence she won on the softball field.
The varsity player has been playing softball since she was 6, and found her home at third base. She credits a coach for drawing out her strengths.
“My coach, Dale Martin, was really encouraging,” Lizarraga said. “He just really believed in me and saw something in me that I didn’t even see and helped me a lot.”
Martin coached Lizarraga for over four years, and although he has now retired, Lizarraga still lives by his words of encouragement. This influence has not only played out for her on the softball field, but also in academics and all-around life skills.
“He taught me to always put effort into everything I do,” said Lizarraga. “And I have perseverance, so if I fail at something, I will try and try again.”
Academically, Lizarraga is enrolled in AP Psychology, College English, Precalculus, Architecture, Fashion & Sewing, and Graphic & Design. She’s holding her ground with a 3.6 GPA, is a member of National Honor Society, and is part of the environmentally conscious WATER club.
For the past two summers, Lizarraga has helped with a sixth-grade adventure camp that travels past Galena Summit and camps overnight. She helps make cheers and ensure that the kids have a good time. She’s a lifeguard with the Wood River YMCA, helps with parent-teacher conferences, and participates in a readers’ group at the Hailey Public Library.
Lizarraga said she enjoyed being raised here with her two siblings, but looks forward to expanding her horizons in college, with University of Idaho in Moscow or somewhere in Oregon in her sights.
“I definitely want to continue my education,” Lizarraga said, “potentially for architectural design or interior design.”
And though she may not play softball post-graduation, one thing is for sure—she will always have the perseverance to continue the game no matter what life may throw her way.