BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Sports Correspondent

Ten years ago, Blue Ridge’s Rebekah Bayle started playing softball. Now she is a high school senior playing for the Lady Raiders.

Bayle is the Independent’s Student Athlete of the Week.

“I started playing softball after my family moved up here. I was previously in gymnastics, but after moving up here my parents were looking for something that was closer to home. They came up with Little League softball.”

“I like how competitive it gets on the field,” Bayle said. “I also like how it’s so much a team sport -defense, then you turn around, offense, and it’s an individual sport as well. I like pretty much everything!”

But the weather is not cooperating with the sport this season. “So far we have been stuck in the gym, that’s definitely not where we want to be at this point in the season.” she said.

Bayle has been a part of some of Blue Ridge’s success on the field during her time on the team. “My freshmen year we made it to District Finals. We came up short, but I’m hoping we can make it there this year.”

Off the field she keeps busy in and out of school. She is the senior class secretary, as well as the Leo Club secretary. Bayle is also the captain of the school’s Envirothon team and hoping to make it to the state competition for the third time. She is also active at the Jackson Baptist Church.

In addition to softball, Bayle was also a member of the Lady Raider volleyball team that captured the Class A title in the fall.

Her efforts have paid off with recognition for her achievements. She was the Student of the Month in September 2013. She was named as an MVP of the volleyball squad; and has earned team Spirit Awards for both volleyball and softball.

Bayle is also making memories by traveling as well. “This past September I had the opportunity to visit Bolivia and Argentina. It was so amazing and life changing. I am hoping one day I can go back.”

After graduation she plans to attend Cedarville University and will major in environmental science. She is the daughter of Duane and Kristy Bayle of Jackson Township.