Put me in coach…I’m ready to play…look at me I can be centerfield…

The phrase from the popular music hit by John Fogarty has definite meaning for Ralea Brooksher. As the slowpitch softball season continues for the Lady Pirates, the Gore junior is creating plenty of pop at the plate while using her speed to run down fly balls hit in the outfield gap.

“She’s a natural outfielder who has plenty of speed,” explained coach Dusty Tidwell. “In fastpitch, she plays behind the plate or uses her glove at shortstop. This spring, Ralea’s been a game changer. Defensively, she’s solid and when she’s at the plate, we’ve got a contact hitter with power capable of going yard at any time.”

Feeling comfortable in the outfield, Brooksher likes the continuous action.

“You always have to keep your head on a swivel, there’s never a break in the action,” explained the energetic Brooksher.

Asked to define herself in three words, Ralea was quick to reply.

“Fast, athletic and most importantly strong,” said Brooksher, “because it reinforces my awareness to use all my God-given talents not just bits and pieces.”

In addition to displaying her skills on the softball field, Brooksher also played basketball for the Lady Pirates sharing the spotlight with her older sister Skye.

“We’re competitive that’s for sure. Skye definitely knows how to push my buttons to help make me a better player,” admits the younger sibling who has played softball since she was four years old. “In softball, I’ll admit she’s a better fielder but in my opinion I’m the better performer with the bat in my hand.”

Away from sports, Ralea works 20-plus hours a week as a waitress at El Lago Mexican Grill in Gore.

“I like the money but I also enjoy the opportunity to interact with my customers. Working there has taught me the importance of helping others.”

Whether at work, in the classroom or the softball field, Brooksher continues to follow the advice of her coach when facing daily challenges

“Never give up on something you love. If you’re having a bad day, you need to have a short memory and start over to win the next challenge,” said Brooksher. “It’s my motivation for finding a way to win, not just in sports but also in everyday life.” 

Long term, Brooksher’s dream is to become a traveling nurse after completing a Bachelor of Science degree in college. But until it’s time to trade sports for a career in medicine, listen close whenever Ralea Brooksher steps to the plate.

Got a beat-up glove, a homemade bat, and brand-new pair of shoes; You know I think it’s time to give this game a ride.

Just to hit the ball and touch ‘em all - a moment in the sun; (pop) It’s gone and you can tell that one goodbye!