Brooke Aiken, the freshman catcher for the Kearsarge Regional High School softball team, posted a .455 batting average with two singles, two doubles and a triple while drawing two walks and scoring five runs in her first week of action.

Her coach, Edward Shaughnessy, said that defensively she’s held down the position and “struck fear into opposing batters.” More impressively and importantly, according to him, her impact on team spirit and sportsmanship has been ever larger.

“Aiken has displayed great sportsmanship. She continues to introduce herself to the home plate umpire every game, exchanges names with them and vows to do her best to protect them all game,” he said.

The Monitor spoke with Aiken to learn more about her passion for softball and what makes her such a force of nature.

Q: Your softball coach highlighted your sportsmanship. Why do you think it’s important to embody those values?

I think it’s important to embody sportsmanship because even when the game gets hard, at the end of the day, everyone is playing the same game and all have to respect each other, the fans and the umps. It should be fun, and being mean to others or your own teammates isn’t fun for anyone.

Q: You have had a strong start at the plate this season. How have you prepared to face tougher pitchers this season?

I’ve prepared myself to face tougher pitchers by just telling myself to have fun and just be relaxed when I am at the plate. I also put in work during the offseason, knowing I was going to face tough pitchers.

Q: How do you strike a balance between school and sports?

I balance school and sports by utilizing my time in school to do my homework, and if I didn’t finish my homework, I do it after practice and sometimes after games. I work on sports when I have no homework to do.

Q: What kind of music helps you lock in for a big game?

The kind of music that makes me locked in for a big game is some Glorilla, Drake and Rihanna. These artists help hype me up and bring my energy levels up. They help me stay positive throughout a game.

Q: What’s your favorite part about playing catcher in softball?

My favorite part about being a catcher is catching someone stealing. I also like it when my pitcher is 3-0, and I can help settle them down to get the strikeout.

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is my dad. My dad has inspired my to be the best version of myself and have fun. He is always willing to help me with school work and practice. He always has my back.

Q: Who are some of your mentors, and how have they helped you?

Some of my mentors are my hitting coach Mark Grams, my travel ball coaches and my high school coaches. These people have helped me by seeing my potential, never giving up on me  and helping me become a better player and person.