By Staff
Charles Prince, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle Lady Tiger softball player Sarah Whitlow can't wait for July 14 when the North-South All-Star softball doubleheader she will be playing in is held.
"I'm really excited," Whitlow said. "I'm glad to have the opportunity to play, but I'm a little nervous too."
Whitlow, who will enter her senior season this fall at Hartselle, has been playing travel softball this summer hoping to keep her game fine tuned for the All-Star event.
"I've been playing with the Birmingham Vipers," Whitlow said. "We've played in three tournaments since the school year ended and we've played about 20 games so far."
Whitlow's defensive skills helped land her on the 2004 Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State team, but she hopes to improve her play at the plate.
"Defense is my strong point," Whitlow said. "I'm trying to work on my hitting, that's one reason I play travel ball to see more good pitching. I know I'll see some great pitching in the All-Star games."
Whitlow found out of her selection to the game from Hartselle head coach Shane Alexander.
"Coach Alexander told me after one of our games this season," Whitlow said. "He had gotten a letter about my selection. I was pretty excited to hear about it and I still am."
Whitlow has drawn the attention of several colleges with her play in centerfield for the Lady Tigers. She has received letters of interest from Auburn, Alabama, Mississippi State, Birmingham Southern and Tennessee-Martin. She is hoping to catch the eye of even more scouts and meet her goal of a college softball scholarship.
"I know a lot of college scouts will be there," Whitlow said. "I hope to hear from some more. I want to have the best choice of school possible, because I'm not sure what I want to major in yet. When I decide, I hope I can pick the right school for me."
Whitlow will meet her All-Star teammates on July 13 and then the team will practice twice before the doubleheader.
All-Star week also includes a boat trip for the players and movie passes. Whitlow will be playing with two of her travel teammates on the All-Star team. Ashley Stevenson and Katie Beckman both of Vestavia Hills High School are also members of the Vipers, as well as the North All-Star squad.
Whitlow has set a personal goal for herself in the All-Star classic.
"I hope I play my two best games ever," Whitlow said.