by Moses Leos III
Even as a young child, Wallace Middle School eighth grader Abbie Blackwell was drawn to the world of sports. From her humble beginnings as a little league basketball and T-ball player, Blackwell has always enjoyed the life of an athlete.
Today, Blackwell’s list of sports is longer. In addition to basketball and softball, she incorporated track and volleyball into her sports repertoire.
Her ability to not only play multiple sports, but also play them well, helped Blackwell earn the 2012-2013 seventh grade Wallace Athletic MVP. The achievement solidified Blackwell’s hard work to this point.
“When they announced my name for the MVP award, it felt like all of the hard work had paid off,” she said.
Working hard is the mantra for Blackwell and her family. During the school year, Blackwell wakes up at 5 a.m. for Wallace athletic practice sessions. Once school is over, and she does her homework, Blackwell is on the road to train with her select softball team, the Austin Storm.
For Blackwell, such a varying schedule can be taxing.
“Playing multiple sports can be very difficult,” Blackwell said. “I have to plan out my schedule very carefully. It can get kind of crazy.”
Yet, the soon-to-be eighth grader handles the intense schedule.
Blackwell was a part of the seventh grade Wallace volleyball team, which finished the season 8-1 and won the district championship. In addition to playing point guard and occasionally post for the Lady Rangers basketball team, she participated in the triple jump, 4 x 400, 4 x 200 and 4 x 100 meter relays, along with the 400 and 200-meter dash in track.
Her excellence on the field is equally matched by her prowess in the classroom. Blackwell is currently a member of the Wallace Middle School National Junior Honor Society.
Juggling sports and school is an achievement that makes Blackwell and her family proud.
While she enjoys all the sports she plays, the diamond is where Blackwell finds her higher calling.
The camaraderie she has with her teammates and coaches helps continue her progression as an athlete.
“I love to play softball so much,” Blackwell said. “I enjoy working with my teammates and playing for my coaches. They all motivate me and help me become a better athlete.”
During the softball season, Blackwell plays a variety of positions, including catcher, outfield, shortstop and second base. The ability to be flexible on the defensive side is important for Blackwell.
“You never know when something is going to happen; if a teammate is injured or sick, and you have to fill in for them,” Blackwell said. “That is why it is important to play so many positions. It is good for coaches to depend on you; they can play you wherever they need you to go.”
As part of the Storm team, Blackwell travels across the state, from Wichita Falls to Houston to Tyler.
“It is really exciting to play all around the state,” Blackwell said.
Over the past weekend, the Austin Storm finished second at a tournament. Blackwell and her teammates now prepare for nationals in College Station.
As the summer continues, Blackwell will focus her attention on the diamond more than anything else. She hopes to continue her softball career into high school, and eventually, college.
For now, she is ready to tackle her goals in eighth grade.
“Going into next year, I want to become a better all-around athlete,” Blackwell said. “I want to continue my success at managing my time, as well as in school and sports.”
