Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Elle Verploegen, Havre High softball

Coming into this spring, the Havre High softball team is looking to defend its Northeast A Divisional title and advance to the state tournament once again. If the Blue Ponies are going to do that, they will need players such as Elle Verploegen to have a strong season. As she heads into her junior year with the Ponies, Verploegen expects them to do well once again.

"This season, we have a great team. We have a lot of seniors this year," Verploegen said. "I think we have a chance to go all the way in our division and maybe quite far in state this season. I think we have big bats and it'll just be fun to play with all the girls that I've played with my whole life."

Verploegen will look to have another strong season at pitcher for the Ponies. In the Ponies' season opener against Cut Bank last weekend, Verploegen started the season strong with 11 strikeouts, one walk and no hits in a 10-0 victory for the Ponies.

Verploegen and the Ponies were supposed to start the season several weeks ago, but the effects of a long and cold winter prevented them from playing yet. The Ponies are happy to finally be playing this season, but it was a hard wait for them.

"Managing the delays was hard. We ended up inside a lot which set us back a little bit," Verploegen said. "We have all loved this outside weather and it's been warm and getting those reps in has helped us a lot."

Last season, the Ponies won the Northeast A Divisional title for the first time in program history. Verploegen was a key part of that team as she pitched the last out in the divisional title game. Over the course of her softball career, Verploegen's favorite memory was securing that championship.

"I threw that last pitch and I knew that it was either going to make or break my day," Verploegen said. "I turned around and I remember Lizzi Haney running up to me and she just jumped at me screaming and crying at the same time with joy."

Of course, Verploegen has enjoyed much more over the course of her softball career. She got involved in T-ball at a young age thanks to her mother and she has been playing ever since.

"I've loved the atmosphere of it," Verploegen said about softball. "You're all hyped, you're all ready to go and it's just like a family atmosphere."

Even in her free time, Verploegen stays involved in softball. She coaches some of the city league teams and works with the younger pitchers. When she is not working in softball, she helps out on the farm.

She also plays basketball and volleyball for the Ponies. But at the end of the day, softball will always be her favorite sport to play.

"I just love everything about it," Verploegen said about playing pitcher. "No matter what, you always have fun."

Verploegen and the Ponies will continue their season with more games this weekend. Before she got back on the mound, Verploegen answered five questions for the Havre Daily News.

HDN: What is the most difficult part about playing pitcher?

Verploegen: "You are all by yourself in the center so all eyes are on you and if you make a walk or something, that's on you. That's your responsibility to come back and come back stronger and harder each time."

HDN: What have you learned from coaching younger softball players?

Verploegen: "Coaching the younger kids, I noticed my mistakes as a player, too, so that helps me notice that and then seeing them come to games and stuff and just show their support to me, it really helps me. It puts a smile on my face and then gives me confidence I need to continue on."

HDN: What is your biggest motivator?

Verploegen: "I'd say my family. They're always coming to support me with any event that I have. And my coaches. They're always there cheering me on, telling me to keep going no matter if I'm having a hard day."

HDN: Do you hope to play softball at the next level?

Verploegen: "I'm hoping to get in touch with some colleges this summer and then go from there."

HDN: Is there a favorite college team that you like to watch?

Verploegen: "I like the Washington Huskies. They have a mentality that's great and they're always there for each no matter what."