Athlete of the Week: Emma Thomas

Junior Emma Thomas is a pitcher for the Shawnee Mission East Softball team. Thomas has had a tremendous start to her season with two wins over Shawnee Mission South and Shawnee Mission Northwest. She had 14 strikeouts against SMN, nineteen strikeouts against SMNW and 14 strikeouts against SMS. 

Q:How did you get into softball?

A: “I’ve been doing this since T-ball. I used to do all the sports, but I’ve stuck with softball. It has become such a big part [of my life]. The dedication and the work that I’ve put in and being on the team makes the experience so much better. The excitement of the game gets me going.”

Q: What have you liked about East softball so far this year?

A: “I think the progress that we have shown throughout the past three years I’ve been on the team and the bond that we have this year. I think we’re all really close-knit. Everybody’s just had a positive attitude.”

Q: Why is this year different from other years?

A: “We definitely have bigger opportunities with our great freshmen this year: Paige Stanfield and Campbell Norris. I think we really connected a lot better, so we’re able to kind of fit like a puzzle.”

Q: What are your keys to having a good performance?

A: “I always have main focal points that I’ve taught myself — not ever slowing down. I’m always trying to get up 100% for my team. Knowing that I do have a defense that will back me up [helps].”

Q: How is your confidence right now?

A: “It’s been through the roof. I have my teammates talking to me and letting me know if I throw a wild pitch or walk somebody then they have my back.”

Q: What have you enjoyed most about softball in the years that you’ve been on the team?

A: “There’s a different team each year obviously because seniors leaving [and] new freshmen coming in. Each year we have a different feel for the team. You continue to grow, you learn new skills, you’re always improving. What’s been the most exciting is honestly just seeing the program grow. My freshman year, we weren’t able to have a JV team. Now, we hit our cut and we almost had to make cuts this year. It’s exciting to see people want to play.”