Luverne’s Billi Connell has been playing organized softball since she was in second grade.
She said she started playing because she wanted to spend time with her friends, but that leisurely activity became a sport she can’t get enough of.
“I play all year long,” Connell said. “… I work very hard. I practice all winter and summer long. I go to the cage four times a week.”
All that work Connell has put into her craft is starting to get recognized. Connell was recently named to the Minnesota High School Fastpitch Coaches' Association 2AA All-State Second Team.
“It makes me proud,” Connell said. “It makes my parents proud. It’s just nice to get recognized and to know that my hard work is paying off.”
Connell wrapped up her junior season with the Cardinals with a batting average over .500. Luverne softball coach Brooks Maurer noted that Connell is one of the best hitters he’s ever coached.
“She’s one of the best hitters, baseball or softball that I’ve ever been around,” Maurer said.
He said Connell’s simple, “see ball, hit ball” approach makes her dangerous in the batter’s box.
“When I’m up to bat, the only thing that’s running through my head is ‘hit the ball hard somewhere,’” Connell said. “Hitting is such a non-thinking thing. You just have to hit the ball somewhere.”
But she’s also motivated to score.
“I think I have a lot of intensity when I’m at the plate,” Connell said. “I want to get on base for my team.”
That intensity trickles over to the defensive side of things for Connell, who understands the importance of each out and that one mistake could be the difference in winning or losing the game.
“I like the competition and that you have to be locked in all the time,” Connell said. “You may only get one ball a game, but that ball could change the course of the game.”
In the field, she’s capable of playing multiple positions, a versatility she takes pride in.
“I’m athletically capable of playing multiple positions,” Connell said. “I’m just locked in when I’m out there. I think I can play wherever. It’s fun to play multiple positions. It’s fun to get to play shortstop, third base or even outfield. I’ll play wherever the team needs me.”
Connell’s love for the game of softball is due to it being the ultimate team sport.
“You can’t do it yourself,” Connell said. “You have to pick up your teammates when they make an error and vice versa. Nobody can have a huge impact on the game. You can get one single, but nobody else gets a hit, you don’t score. I just love that it’s the ultimate team sport.”
Connell plays softball in the summer and in the fall for club leagues.
This spring will be her final season as a member of the Luverne Cardinals.
“We are going to be a young team,” Connell said.
“The goal is to set up the younger players to help our program down the road. They are a talented bunch. They beat Pipestone as junior varsity players. I hope for them to beat them at the varsity level and make a run at the state tournament and become section champions this spring.”