Athlete of the Week: McKaleigh Goodale

Lakewood Ranch High junior McKaleigh Goodale went 2-for-4 with two home runs, two RBIs and two runs scored, helping lead the top-seeded Lady Mustangs to a 9-1 victory over Seminole Osceola in the Class 6A-District 12 championship April 20. The shortstop also went 3-for-3 with a RBI and three runs scored in Lakewood’s 17-2 district semifinal victory over St. Petersburg Dixie Hollins April 18. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you hit not one, but two, home runs in the district championship?
The second one was more ironic, because right before that, my coach asked me if I had ever hit two home runs in one game.

Would you rather be in the field or at the plate?
It depends on how well I’ve been hitting and the skill level of the other team’s offense. I like playing teams with more offensive skill, because it’s more exciting.

How did you get into softball?
We went to register my older sister when I was 4 years old. At the time, T-ball was for 5- and 6-year-olds. They said they would make an exception for me if I really wanted to play. I was the first 4-year-old at Miss Manatee (Softball).

What do you enjoy the most about softball?
Team unity, family atmosphere, positive encouragement and the drive to do better.

Do you have a favorite subject?
Science. You get to learn the specifics about everyday things. It broadens your horizons to things you thought you already knew about.

Do you have any siblings?
I have an older sister, Sammantha, who is 20 years old.

If you could play another sport for a day, what would it be?
Gymnastics. It’s challenging and all self-driven. You have to trust yourself to do the apparatuses.

What was your favorite cartoon show?
“Scooby Doo.” I could guess ahead and see if my assumptions were right. I used to watch it with my mom, and she would try to get me to figure it out.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Acapulco, Mexico. I want to go cliff-diving.