Heading up the ladder, but leaving a love

All know me as the sports editor for The Perry County Tribune, some know me as the sports editor and a softball coach. Few know me as a person who can’t stand to be bored and will kill herself with multiple jobs just to have something to do.

First, let me begin by saying that I am an individual who always wants to move up ladders in any and every aspect of my life. I guess that is what pushed me far in my athletic career and has now pushed me in more than one aspect of my life. For the past few years, I had two jobs — journalism and softball. For the past seven years, I have had two loves in my life — journalism and softball.

Now, 2020 is coming to its end and I can say I am moving up the ladder in both of the loves in my life — journalism and softball. The purpose of this column is to let you all know that I will be leaving the position as Perry Tribune Sports Editor and taking on the role of editor at our sister paper, The Circleville Herald.

For the past few months, I knew I needed to leave the sports editor position for one reason, I have also accepted the job of being the assistant softball coach at Capital University, so there obviously was a big conflict when spring should come. My dilemma was making the decision to give up journalism or not, something I never wanted to do. Luckily, I have found a path for both careers so I can keep doing the two things I love and keep myself so busy that I won’t have time to breathe.

It was a tough decision to give up sports because I love it so much. I loved the community that rallied behind a young woman in her mid-20’s sports editor who obviously stood out on the sidelines with multiple other men in sports media. More than anything, I loved watching young athletic talent emerge in Perry County and go forward with their athletic careers; it was fulfilling as a coach to see that.

I enjoyed the relationships I have built with all of the coaches in the county and hope I can still stay in touch with some of them. As for the athletes, I have some that I will stay in touch with as I coach them as pitchers.

I will never be able to leave the MVL. I grew up playing in that league, I covered the Perry County schools in that league, and now, I have athletes to watch in that league.

I have one Sheridan pitcher who is in seventh grade right now who I can’t wait to watch go through the ranks at Sheridan High School. I will be popping in for those games.

I have coached a young softball player who is a freshman now at Crooksville who will, no doubt, make her name known on that softball diamond. Be ready for her.

As for the rest of the MVL, I coach some girls at different schools who I will watch throughout their careers. But for non-softball athletes, I have to thank you for putting on a show every time I came to watch. You guys are the reason I had fun doing my job.

One thing I am forever thankful for from the people of Perry County is their wholesomeness. Living in multiple different cities, states and countries in my life, I have seen the different attitudes and cultures people put toward others. The people of this county are genuine and down to earth and that is the culture I loved to be in.

It was comforting to come into this job after leaving the city of Pittsburgh and the city of Amsterdam. It was a culture shock at first, but then I remembered my roots were in Southeastern Ohio. I then felt comfortable, welcomed and home. That feeling was because of the people of Perry County.

Now, I know many young athletes in the county are moving forward toward collegiate athletics and I have nothing to say but good luck to those athletes, you will make your mark in your sport. As for the athletes who are still young, maybe I will see you wearing purple and white with me in Columbus soon.