Derby senior Addy Canfield has been around the game of softball for her whole life and now has a chance to make another lifetime dream come true with the Class 6A state championships right around the corner for Canfield and the Panthers.
“Addy is a great young lady,” coach Christine Weve said. “Addy works hard both on and off the field. She is probably her toughest critic and always wants the ball. She is competitive and has a winning mindset.”
Part of that mindset shows through in her poise on the mound.
“I would say my biggest strength as a player is the ability to remain calm and focused in tight situations,” Canfield said. “There have been multiple occasions where the game has been on the line, and if I had let my focus slip, it could have cost us a win. The best example of this is the first-round state game against Manhattan last year when we won by one run and then proceeded to place third at state.”
Canfield’s passion for the game has always been immense, and it continued to expand when she faced some adversity earlier in her high school career.
“My love for the game truly grew from when I couldn’t play,” Canfield said. “I’ve had two ACL reconstruction surgeries, which took me out of the sport for over a year-and-a-half combined. My first tear was my eighth grade year, followed by my second (in my) freshman year.
“I didn’t realize how much I loved the game until I couldn’t play it. Ever since I have recovered I’ve played every game, grateful to even be playing at all.
Canfield has helped lead a special team of players to a tremendous regular season and knows that the Panthers’ work isn’t done just yet.
“To win a state championship, we need to keep it simple,” Canfield said. “We have a very talented group of athletes, and sometimes we get ahead of ourselves. We must keep the game at a solid pace and slow it down instead of letting things snowball. We have a great team environment on the field and in the dugout and try to keep the energy up as best as we can, which helps us out significantly.”
Canfield has plans to continue her playing career at McLennan Community College in Texas.
“I fell in love with their program and the Waco area,” Canfield said. “They have an amazing coaching staff and are currently the No. 1 JUCO in the nation thanks to all their hard work and dedication. What is special about McLennan is that they are huge on family. I immediately felt at home when I went on my campus and housing tour and even more so after I met my future teammates and family.”
