Kelsey O’Connor says, “We push each other to be the best that we can be. So we push each other to work harder and it adds a lot of dynamic to our lineup and some fun competitiveness.”
Kelsey O’Connor is talking about the trio of division one players powering the Neuqua Valley lineup these days. Along with Abby Meeks and Chloe Steinhaus, the Wildcats are looking at a potentially explosive season.
Abby: We want to maintain out conference title, so that’s goal number one this year. And then I hope we can go farther than we ever in regionals.
Meeks is Indiana-bound following what she hopes is a successful season. Becoming a Hoosier has always been a top priority for the senior.
Abby: My mom used to go to Indiana, so it’s always been a dream school, a family school. I was always interested in the business program because it’s 10th in the country. I’m mostly focused on my academics but I also wanted to play at the highest level I could so this has always been the dream.
And not only will she be headed east, but she’ll be doing so with a teammate in tow… Steinhaus is also about to become a Hoosier.
Abby: I think it makes the transition easier, have a little piece of home with me so that’s always good.
Chloe: It’s going to make it a lot easier knowing someone going into it. It’s always nice having something with you going into something you’re new to. So having Abby there with me is going to make it a lot easier for me.
And the opportunity to play relatively close to home was enticing.
Chloe: I wanted to be able to play for my parents, so they could come and watch me so that’s a good distance for them to drive down. And their criminology department is actually really good, it’s one of the top in the country. So that’s another bonus on top of playing softball.
But before Meeks and Steinhaus head to Indiana, and O’Connor takes off for North Carolina State, the focus truly is on this Neuqua season.
Kelsey: I feel really confident that’s were going to do really well in the second half of the season, we’re starting to come together more. And out bats are coming alive so I think we’re going to go really far this year.
Before going even farther to continue their careers in college at the highest level. Kevin Jackman reports.
Make sure to check out how they are doing in the Girls Sports Highlights!
