Braden River high baseman makes impact in first season

BRADEN RIVER — From the moment she walks out of the dugout until the final out is made, 14-year-old Brittany Cole is expected to perform at a certain level.

The Braden River second baseman fully understands the expectations that come with being a starter on the Lady Pirates varsity softball team.

But as the lone freshman on the Lady Pirates roster, Cole feels obligated to continue proving herself every day in practice.

“To a certain extent, I feel like I have to put in a lot more work and try harder,” Cole said. “I’m young, and I want to keep my position. I feel like I have to step it up more.”

Since walking onto the field at Braden River three months ago, Cole has made an immediate impact in the Lady Pirates infield — helping lead the Lady Pirates to a 9-1 record.

“I’ve learned a lot in only a few months,” Cole said. “It’s definitely been a learning experience. The game is played at a faster pace, and you have to be more ready and aware of what’s going on in the game.”

Cole has stepped into the starting role at second base — much to the delight of Braden River coach Doug Powell.

“Brittany has been a tremendous surprise,” Cole said. “I didn’t know anything about her until the first day of practice, but she’s really stepped up and filled a big hole at second base that was open.

“Every day in practice, she works so hard,” Powell said. “Overall, her work ethic is the best. She hustles every minute of every practice. I never have to say anything to her. She’s a very (dedicated) ballplayer, and she wants to do all she can to get better as fast as she can.”

Cole began playing T-ball when she was 3 years old, after tossing the ball around while watching her older brother play baseball.

“I just enjoy the great freedom of being out on the field,” Cole said.

She spent several years playing travel ball for the Venice Vipers, with which she spent time playing shortstop and catcher. A natural infielder, Cole recorded a triple play all by herself in her first season with her travel ball team.

“I was excited,” Cole said. “It was just a shock to me that I actually did it.”

Since then, Cole has been perfecting her skills, particularly at the plate. Cole, who bats second in the Lady Pirates lineup, has spent much of the season focused on improving her batting average.

“My goal this year is to become a better hitter,” Cole said. “I can hit the ball, but I can’t get base hits. I want to have a higher batting average.”

“I don’t think she’s really played with girls who are three and four years older than she is,” Powell said of Cole. “It’s a big difference, but she’s up to the challenge. She’s really come through with some key hits at clutch times. She’s doing a great job.”

Cole, who also plays travel ball for the Tropic Wave 14U team, plans to spend the next three years playing for Braden River with the goal of eventually playing collegiate softball. But for now, Cole is focused on proving herself every time she steps onto the field.

“I just need to continue working hard and (perform) the best I can out on the field and in practice,” Cole said. “My goal is to be the best softball player I can be.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].