Timeout with … Torrey Herrington, senior, Arlington softball
Published 12:01 am Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Some athletes’ emotions constantly bounce up and down like a person on a pogo stick. Coaches have a difficult time knowing what to expect from such competitors.
Arlington High School softball player Torrey Herrington is much more reliable. In fact, Herrington’s coach, Lonnie Hicks, called Herrington “Miss Even.”
“She’s just a very well-adjusted, mature young lady,” Hicks explained. “She’s a quiet leader. She’s never too high and never too low. It’s easy for her to speak and for people to listen.”
A multi-talented senior who plays several positions for the Eagles, Herrington started playing softball in the Stilly Valley Little League around age 6. Individual glory is not what motivates her, she said.
“I love the teamwork that it takes; I’m a team player,” said Herrington. “I just like working together.”
Entering this week, Arlington was 13-2 this season, including a 9-1 record in Western Conference games. Herrington’s mission is to help the powerful Eagles qualify for the fastpitch state tournament for the first time since 1997.
Coach’s corner
When the season began, Herrington was not a starter. But she continually produced whenever she got an opportunity and earned more time on the field. “She earned her way into this lineup,” said Hicks, Arlington’s first-year head coach, “and she just hasn’t stopped.”
So many possibilities
The versatile Herrington, who plans to play softball at Everett Community College, has played outfield, third base and catcher this spring for Arlington. “I can pretty much play any position on the field, mentally — except for pitching,” she said. “I just worked at (learning numerous positions) and I gave 100 percent during practice.”
“I love being able to bounce around,” added Herrington, “but catching is my favorite because I love being involved in every single play. You can see everything going on (and) that’s what I love.”
Clutch hitter
After not having much freedom to swing away the past few seasons, Herrington has thrived with the bat this year. Her most recent heroic hit: She smacked a two-run single down the right-field line that gave Arlington an 8-7 come-from-behind win over rival Stanwood on Thursday.
She respects ‘Becks’
If Herrington could meet anyone, she would pick international soccer star David Beckham. Herrington doesn’t play soccer but she admires Beckham’s talent and success. “I want to talk to him,” said Herrington, “just because he’s so great at what he does. I just want to know what drives him to keep on going. … Also, because he’s good looking.”
Listen to this
Herrington’s favorite band is English folk rock group Mumford & Sons, who performed on the 2011 Grammy Awards in February. Herrington said her favorite Mumford & Sons song is “White Blank Page.” Watch a performance of the song at http://bit.ly/3BoDRc.
A perfect smile
Herrington wants to become a dental assistant. She has been inspired by the dedicated dentists and orthodontists have helped take care of her teeth. “I just love seeing pretty smiles. I know it helped me feel better about myself so I wanted to able to help others.”
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
