ARLINGTON — As a co-captain of the Highland Christian softball team, Alesha Baughman knows a lot about hard work.

Baughman started playing softball during her freshman year at the school and since she’d never done it before, she struggled at first. But now that she is in her fourth year and hoping she heads to the state championships at the end of the month, she feels confident in her skills.

“Senior year has been the best year so far,” said Baughman, who mentioned that at first she struggled with hitting. “I’d borrow a bat, bring it home and just get familiar with it,” she said. “Just this year, my friend and I have been going to the batting cages three or four times a month, just to get better.”

This year marked another change for Baughman; she began playing catcher.

“Learning how to play catcher was definitely tough,” she said. “But now I love it.” As soon as she got used to standing so close to the batter, she grew into her role as catcher as well as shortstop, which she said is her favorite aspect of the game.

“I would definitely have to say I love shortstop,” she said. “I love all the action and how you have to ready yourself for whatever happens.”

But Baughman doesn’t only shine on the ball field. She also makes sure to support her fellow players, and her fellow captain, Esther Brown. “Our team has grown tremendously over the years,” she said. “We’ve had the same pitcher, Esther Brown, and I’ve been so impressed with her. She just keeps getting better.”

Her coach, Louie Quesnell, thinks she deserves recognition for her teamwork and dedication, as well as her strong game.

“Alesha has been doing a great job for us this year,” said Quesnell.

Both Quesnell and Baughman are hoping that the Knights make it to the state championships on May 25-26 in Yakima following their games against Quilcene High School on May 14 and May 16.

“We are definitely trying hard to make it to state,” said Baughman.

After she graduates, Baughman is planning to attend Everett Community College and then transfer to a university. Although she doesn’t yet know what her major will be, she does know that she hopes to make it on to the Trojans softball team. “I am definitely trying out,” Baughman said. “I love softball and I will continue to play as long as I live.”