By Hayden Swope

Bluestem’s Pilar Cox broke two school records last season, as well as being named a first team all-state pitcher. Even with all the recognition, Cox is ready to continue on with her success.

“The goal I told my coach that I wanted to achieve was I wanted to be the best hitter I could be,” Cox said. “This would include breaking my own school records from last year with an even better one this year. Another goal would be to go to state and be the best I can be for the team by that day. This year is going to be tough because we had just switched from 2A to 3A”

In hopes to strengthen her weaknesses, Cox prepared physically and mentally for the season.

“Since last spring, I’ve been working with my travel team on Select Fastpitch,” Cox said. “I have also been powerlifting and doing off season workouts to make myself stronger. In the offseason, I’ve been working on all aspects of my game including hitting, pitching, and fielding by doing lessons and attending college camps. One of my weaknesses I wanted to improve was my mental game, by focusing on controlling what I can control. I have worked on this everytime the situation comes to me, on and off the field.”

Only a junior with many more memories to come, Cox is grateful for the team and all the special moments they’ve shared.

“I have had many amazing memories with this team,” Cox said. “These girls have truly shown me how to love a sport. Transit rides with them are some of my best memories, but not as good as the times that we lift each other up.”

Cox hopes to continue playing softball after high school, but is keeping all of her options open.

“I am currently working on general college classes through Butler Community College at Bluestem,” Cox said. “My goal is to earn my associates at Butler before I complete high school. I plan to attend a two or four year college majoring in microbiology. I am not committed anywhere and I am going through the recruiting process for softball.”