TEXARKANA, Texas - Adi Koller, a sophomore at Pleasant Grove High School, is off to a hot start after transitioning from center field to shortstop.
Koller has a fielding percentage of .920 over the last 12 games and has a .421 batting average. She has used her speed to steal six bases.
"I prefer hitting to fielding because I like the feeling that comes over me after I get a good hit," Koller said. "I like running around the bases and getting pumped up."
Despite her stellar fielding percentage at shortstop, Koller prefers playing center field. She has been outstanding at both positions.
"I like playing center field more, but the more I practice and play at shortstop, the more comfortable I am," Koller said. "I miss running flyballs down and diving if I need to. I also miss getting chances to throw runners out at home plate."
Koller plays under head coach Becca Collom. Koller learned to channel her anger or frustration into softball, something she learned from Collom.
"I get in my own head sometimes," Koller said. "Collom taught me to channel those thoughts into hitting the ball harder or throwing the ball harder in the field."
Softball requires hard work, and Koller has a good work ethic. When not working hard, there are some things that she enjoys about the sport.
"I like being around my teammates and the competition," Koller said. "We all get along and my teammates make me enjoy the sport even more in being around them. Playing softball is fun."
Koller played baseball before starting softball at around age 10. She has been playing for seven years.
"I grew up with baseball around my brothers, made me like the sport," Koller said. "I have been playing it just about my whole life. My goal for the team this season would be to go far in the playoffs."
The softball standout also plays volleyball and basketball and competes in track (long jump). So far this season, Koller has 16 hits, including two triples, 10 RBI, 12 runs scored and a pair of walks. She bats second in the order.