TEXARKANA, Texas - Earning a scholarship to play at the collegiate level is an arduous endeavor.
Pleasant Grove standout pitcher Lexi Snyder is staying focused on her dream despite the interruption of the softball season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I was really excited for the season," Snyder said. "The stoppage upset the whole team. We were all excited and ready to go. Coach (Becca) Collum put us in a huddle and she told us that she was was proud of us. She told us that we had grown a lot since the start. It made me cry because I was devastated that I wouldn't get to play with the seniors if the season doesn't continue. Coach Collum told us to remain hopeful and ready."
Collum has instructed the Lady Hawks to stay in shape and has given them workouts. The workouts include running and climbing bleachers. Snyder also pitches and hits with her dad, Terry, twice a week.
The sophomore Hawks' ace pitcher has thrown 95.2 innings over 20 games, has a 2.25 earned run average, holds an 11-9 record and has struck out 83 batters.
At the dish, Snyder has 27 hits, including nine doubles and a triple. She has 12 RBI, has scored 19 runs, has a .458 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage so far in her high school career.
"I enjoy the memories that I make with my friends on and off the field," Snyder said. "I enjoy having the confidence to pitch. I like wearing my white bow, which is just something that I have always done. The bow is a superstition.
"I would like to go further and pitch in college. I am in the recruiting process and have been going to camps in order to expand my recruitment."
Snyder has been throwing a softball since she was 6 years old. She started to pitch when she was 8. Snyder has a lot of playing experience in travel ball. Travel ball is played over the fall, involves more work and the level of play is greater.
The Pleasant Grove standout plays with the Sneaky Cleats Gold 16 and under team. She has pitched 24 innings over 11 games, has 11 earned runs with a 2.80 earned run average, holds a 4-1 record and has 15 strikeouts.
Snyder has a .472 batting average in travel ball with 34 hits, including eight doubles. She has 18 RBI, has scored 23 runs and has a 51.3 on-base percentage.
The UIL will shorten the playoffs if the season continues. May 4 is the target date for teams to get back in action as well as for Texas schools to get back in session. If that happens, Snyder will be more than ready to get back into the softball action.