Claremore senior Emily Rogers has been playing softball for practically her entire life –  or at least since she could pick up a bat.

“I first started playing softball, or T-ball, when I was four years old,” Rogers said.

Now Rogers is a senior at Claremore and plays third base for the Lady Zebras. As a senior on the fast-pitch team Rogers has learned over the years what qualities to look for in a teammate and strives to bring those traits to her team.

“I think a good teammate or leader is someone who is willing to do anything for the team,” Rogers said. “They always do their best, lead by example, and encourage others.”

Rogers truly loves the sport and lives for big moments.

“My favorite thing about softball is the under pressure moments,” Rogers said. “The moments when you are given the opportunity to make a great play, have a game-altering hit, or even just run bases aggressively to help the team.”

Rogers always has a team-first mentality, a characteristic that she learned from her mom.

“My mom is the biggest role model in my life,” Rogers said. “She inspired my love for softball and made me who I am today. My mother had me in her junior year of high school so I got to watch her play. This sparked my interest in softball, but it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the game myself. My mom has been my encourager, my rock, and most of all my best friend. She has taught me to work hard in everything I do and I wouldn’t be who I am without her.”

Softball has been fundamental to Rogers’ life and has provided her with many opportunities and life lessons that she will cherish forever.

“The most important thing I have learned from softball is how to combat failure. When you make an error, or fail at the plate, you cannot continue to think about the mess up. You have to get ready for the next play or next at bat,” Rogers said. “This can relate to everyday life as well. When we mess up in life, we have to get back up again.”

As Rogers continues her senior year of high school she has a few goals that she’s looking to accomplish. Rogers hopes to repeat a favorite memory from her sophomore season when Clamore won their regional.

“My goal for this softball season is to make it to the state tournament. Whether we host and win regionals, or upset another team, it would be the best way to end my senior year,” Rogers said. “In school, I have the goal of becoming Valedictorian of my class, and I hope to achieve that this coming May.”