By Derrick Smith

A successful athlete does more than just show up on game day to compete. Brenli Baker is an athlete at Kremlin-Hillsdale High School and she says that it takes a lot to be competitive, but she has the support of someone special to help make it happen. 

“It has taken commitment and dedication, along with time and money,” she said. “I am thankful to have a well-providing mother that is willing to help me succeed. My mom is a big role model for me because she is the person who has been there for me most of my life. Along with Rick Stewart, who taught me skills, respect, and the basic fundamentals of softball.”

Baker, who is a freshman, plays catcher for the Lady Longhorns softball team. She has been playing softball for about 10 years and she loves the game as much now as she did when first started. 

Throughout her life, Baker has had people who have helped shape her into the person that she is today and she says that she is thankful for each of them.

“My mom and dog are my biggest motivations in this world,” she said. “The message I want to send to kids in life is to follow your dreams, and always be thankful for the little things. I will always be thankful for the teachers, family, and friends who have helped me along my softball journey and in life. And I will also be so thankful and lucky to have the ability to play the sport I love, with my mom watching me at every game. But, overall I am just a small town kid with big city dreams.”

Brenli has enjoyed many great moments with her teammates. She says that her first game as part of a new team is one of her favorites. 

“A highlight in my career with school ball would have to be when I transferred to Kremlin before my freshman year,” she said. “Our first game, I was the designated hitter and went four for four against Pioneer pitcher Katelyn Trumbley who is a remarkable pitcher committed to USAO.”