BENTONVILLE -- Shayli Martin admitted she hadn't thought much about playing her last softball game until the subject was brought up earlier this week.
That time has finally arrived. Martin, a senior first baseman, will take the field with her Bentonville teammates for the final time this afternoon when the Lady Tigers meet North Little Rock at 3 p.m. for the Class 7A state championship at Bogle Park.
Arkansas High School Softball Championships
at Bogle Park, Fayetteville
Today
Class 2A — Spring Hill vs. Hector, 10 a.m.
Class 5A — Greenbrier vs. Vilonia, 12:30 p.m.
Class 7A — Bentonville vs. North Little Rock, 3 p.m.
Class 4A — Mena vs. Pocahontas, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday
Class 3A — Rose Bud vs. Bald Knob, 10 a.m.
Class 6A — Sheridan vs. Benton, 12:30 p.m.
Class 1A — Nemo Vista vs. Concord, 3 p.m.
"I think I had a really good run," Martin said. "It was super fun to do all the things I got to do when I was younger and in high school. This is amazing -- a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
"Senior Night was a little rough for me. I don't look at this as a negative thing. I was given this opportunity to do this all my life, and I took that."
Bentonville has enjoyed its most successful season in school history with 29 victories this spring, and Martin has relished her role as the team's elder statesman. A three-year starter at first, she is the only senior position player to be on the field on a regular basis.
Her statistics may not be as impressive as some of the Lady Tigers (.245 batting average, 8 RBIs) this season, but her leadership on the field and in the dugout has been invaluable during their record run. Bentonville coach Kent Early labels her as one of the toughest kids he's had come through the program.
"She's been there and done that," Early said. "She knows the ins and outs of the program, and we were looking for that senior leadership out of her. That's something we lacked last year.
"I think she took it upon herself because it's her last year. She realizes the talent level that we have coming in, and she's let them know if they do what they're supposed to do, we have a chance to be successful."
Early credits Martin with keeping everybody organized throughout the season, whether it be on game days or during practice sessions. She has provided guidance to her younger teammates, whether it be on the field or in the dugout during games.
"I think it's cool to be singled out, I guess," Martin said. "I think I get respected a little bit more, whereas if there were more seniors it would be divided out.
"With me being in this position, I think I've always been a kind of a leader. I know I've always tried to be one. I try to direct people toward what's better for the team and not try to think about themselves and being self-centered. I try to bring everybody to the team, whether they play or they're in the dugout cheering."
Sports on 05/20/2016