Blaine’s Shaylie Daniels is returning for her senior season after an impressive 2023–24 fastpitch year. The second-team All-Northwest Conference catcher had a .516 batting average, 25 RBIs and three home runs.
She also helped the Borderites to a 14-8 record and a 2A District 1 tournament appearance. However, Daniels believes this upcoming season will be different for the program.
“This year is a rebuilding year because we had a big senior class last year,” Daniels said. “I am excited because it is my first year playing without older girls on the team. There are a lot more freshmen out this year and they will have a good future.”
Daniels, with the support of new head coach Riley Miller, is looking to build the Blaine softball culture. Daniels will be supporting her squad as one of the captains.
“I want to lead by example and get more girls to be a part of the program,” Daniels said. “I have been trying to do that my entire career in high school. I have volunteered at the middle school all four years.”
One of the ways Daniels has led the team is in their new offseason weight training program. Daniels said she has already noticed a difference in the mentality and strength of the players before they have played a game this year.
Daniels, who has played softball for the last 13 years, will not be looking to compete in college. Instead, she is aiming to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and major in engineering. Until then, she hopes to get on base often with her consistent hitting and lead the Borderites to wins.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
