GIVE ME JUST ONE MORE SEASON, PLEASE…

In March, the Strickland family knew the time was coming for a company move.  Mike, the father works for Verizon and just felt the time was coming where his family would have to leave Charlotte.  That day arrived and the family received the news of a move to Tallahassee, FL.  Each member of the family had their own opinion of the move.

Katie, the 13 year old daughter seemed to be the most traumatized by the pending move.  An eighth grader at Jay M. Robinson, the last thing she wanted to hear was “Katie, we are moving to Florida.”

Once the family accepted the move, Katie, with the help of her mother Natasha went into a dealing mode.  With plans to play softball for Jay M. Robinson, Katie and her teammates had set a goal of winning the conference title for Coach Brian Vanderhill.  The team was in place and along with Crestdale Middle School, the Chargers were expected to contend for the title.  Katie begged her parent to let her stay for the first half of her 8th grade year.

Katie’s parents agreed and the school year began with Natasha staying behind in Charlotte while Mike went ahead to Florida.  

Katie played catcher for the Chargers and had a fantastic season.  The team went 13-0 and captured the conference title.

“I really wanted to stay and win the championship,” Katie said.  “I didn’t want to walk away from such a good team and let my teammates down.  My parents sacrificed a lot to make this happen for me.  Now that the time has come to move, I am sad, but I am very excited to get back with my Dad and have the entire family back together.”

Katie leaves behind quite a softball resume, in addition to winning the championship at Jay M. Robinson, her traveling softball team, the Carolina Angels, won the NSA – B Series Championship in Salem, VA this summer as well as the South Carolina State Tournament.  The last time Katie lost a softball game was the first weekend of June.

Due to the Florida Middle Schools playing softball in the spring, Katie will have the opportunity to win two school titles in one season.  

Katie’s final day at Jay M. Robinson was December 8th.  Without a doubt, a few tears were shed as Katie said goodbye to so many good friends and wonderful memories. 

Good luck Katie, we know Tallahassee will be excited about adding such a quality softball player.