Athlete of the Week: Huntyre Elling

Lakewood Ranch High senior Huntyre Elling recorded her eighth shutout of the season, allowing three hits and one walk, while striking out seven en route to leading the Lady Mustangs to a 10-0 victory over New Port Richey River Ridge in the Class 6A-Region 3 finals May 1. Elling, who will pitch for Indian River State College next year, improved her overall record to 20-4. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What does it mean to you to be going to the state semifinals?
It means a lot. I’ve been dreaming about this all season, and now the fact that we’re packing and leaving tomorrow night to head up there … It has just sunk that this is my last practice here.

How long have you been playing softball?
I’ve been playing since I was 8 years old. I wanted to play volleyball, but when I was young, they didn’t have a (youth) rec volleyball league where I lived. I decided to play softball, and I ended up liking it.

What do you enjoy the most about softball?
Playing with a team. I probably could never play an individual sport, because I would get bored with myself. I like the interaction.

What’s the toughest part about being a pitcher?
The mental side of it. Picking out how batters swing with (different) pitches and figuring out their weaknesses.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
A physical occupational therapist. I want to work with disabled or athletic teenagers.

Who is your biggest role model?
My sister. She has epilepsy and cerebral palsy, but she’s always smiling. When she can come to my games, I can always hear her cheering me on. She’s always happy, no matter how many surgeries she’s had to go through.

If you could play another sport for a day, what would it be?
Football. It’s very competitive. I always wanted to play, but I was told, “You can’t, because you’re a girl.” I like how intense it is, and I think it would be fun to tackle someone.