By Mike Moguin

If there is one thing softball has taught Carthage Junior Emmy Stark, it is to keep focus on the present. 

“Softball has taught me a ‘next play’ mentality, said Stark, who also runs track for the Tigers in the spring. “I have learned that dwelling on the past makes it much harder to improve.”

The teammate who has left the biggest impression on her is Lexa Youngblood. “She was always so welcoming during my early years on the varsity squad,” Stark said. “She also helped me through my transition into the outfield throughout my freshman and sophomore years. Her leadership will always be inspiring to me, and I’m so grateful to have played with her.”

Her favorite teacher goes all the way back to elementary school. 

“Miss Sill, now Kyllie Luton, was my 3rd grade teacher and will always be my favorite because of her kindness and ability to make learning fun,” Stark said.

A moment considered precious by Stark is not related to her athletic performance, but to her Christian walk, which involved getting baptized on Oct. 27 of last year. 

Along with sports, she said, she is also involved in school clubs, including FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), and HOSA (Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America).

“My favorite part of representing my school as an athlete is representing the program well by exhibiting great sportsmanship and setting a good example for underclassmen,” Stark said. 

“I want to thank all of my coaches for always pushing me to be the best version of myself on and off the field,” Stark added. “I also want to thank my parents for being my No. 1 supporters. Finally, I want to thank all my Carthage Softball sisters for always being there for me.”