Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Michaela Boles

Michaela Boles has been in a Blue Pony uniform for the last four years. And as a Havre High volleyball and softball player, Boles has had a solid prep career thus far.

Now, just a couple weeks into her senior softball season, Boles isn't finished just yet. She has already lettered in both volleyball and softball, and has been playing softball since about the age of five. Fastpitch softball is in her blood too. Her dad is a longtime umpire and former fastpitch standout and her mom has been involved in the Havre softball scene for years.

Boles has put in the extra effort this past year, and it is showing. She has already gotten off to a good start at the plate this season, and is executing well as the Ponies' center fielder.

Boles is one of the team captains this season, and she has earned the coveted honor with her hard work and dedication. She didn't miss one of the nearly 30 open gyms held over the summer, as well as utilized the Montana State University-Northern gym to work on her hitting.

Boles now hopes to have successful senior season, and wouldn't mind making the state tournament in the mean time.

Here's five questions with oneof Havre's captains as the Ponies get set for a big four-game homestand

HDN: For most teams, softball is a warm weather sport, so for you, what is it like playing games in the cold, spring Montana weather.

Boles: "You really adjust to any weather that comes your way. Whether it is rain or shine, or snow even, you are always ready to play no matter what. I kind of just move my feet back and forth and talk (to stay active). Sometimes I even sing."

HDN: What has been the hardest thing about becoming a switch hitter, and moving to the left side of the plate?

Boles: "You really have to keep your confidence up, and keep telling yourself that you can do it. It is more difficult than hitting right handed, but I have to make sure I don't get down on myself and make sure I stay positive."

HDN: What kind of work did you put in during the off season, in preparation for the this season?

Boles: "I really, really worked hard and tired to be a leader for the team. I tried to show up to everything I possibly could, and tried not to miss any open gym. They really help players out during the season, so I mainly worked on my hitting because that was my biggest weakness, but I also worked on my fielding and drop stepping."

HDN: What goals does the team have this year?

Boles: "The goal is to just have fun and be there for your teammates, making sure that everybody is up and cheering and nobody has their head down. We really need that confidence to be a good team. But it would mean so much to make it to state. We haven't been there since my freshman year, and we have worked too hard to not make it."

HDN: What strengths does the young squad have to build off of to be successful this year?

Boles: "We need to get our bats woken up, and again, to have everybody remain positive. We need to always go for the ball, and it doesn't matter if it is in practice or live, every ball counts."

The Havre High fastpitch team has four home games this weekend. The Blue Ponies take on Class A powerhouse Belgrade at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Then Havre hosts Central A rival Livingston on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. All games will be at the Sixth Avenue Memorial Softball Field in Havre.

Havre High senior Michaela Boles looks to lay down a bunt during a girls fastpitch softball game last week in Havre. Boles has put in a lot of hard work on her softball game, including becoming a switch hitter.