By Brad Morris
SportingPumpkin.com
Dave Truex knew he had an unreasonable expectation for every time Circleville senior shortstop Cara Cooper stepped into the batter’s box this season.
“I expected Cara to get a hit every time she was up there. I know that’s totally unreasonable, but that’s how special of a player that Cara is,” the long-time coach said. “When you look at her approach at the plate, how hard she works and then her athletic ability, Cara is the complete package.
“She’s easily one of the best players and one of the best workers that I’ve ever coached here at Circleville.”
Cooper was recognized for her outstanding final campaign for the Tigers by being named first-team All-Ohio in Division II.
The recent CHS graduate, who had previously been named Mid-State League Buckeye Division and Southeast District Division II Player of the Year, batted .660 with a .727 on-base percentage. She had 14 doubles, 10 triples, four home runs, drove in 55 runs and scored 50 times, and also swiped 17 bases.
Truex discussed Cooper’s work ethic and approach at the plate leading to her special season.
“Cara prepares herself to have success, starting with working countless hours on her own hitting off a tee in a barn that her parents have and doing different things that a lot of kids would probably never dream of doing,” he said. “When Cara steps into the batter’s box, she knows what she is looking for and when she gets that pitch, she very rarely misses it.
“When she would get out, which didn’t happen very often, she would walk into the dugout and look at me with an expression like, ‘I know, coach, I was a little impatient and didn’t wait for my pitch’.”
Cooper helped lead the Tigers to a 20-win season and a spot in the district tournament.
Truex went on to compliment Cooper on her athletic ability.
“She’s one of the more prepared players that I’ve coached and that sets her up to maximize her athletic ability,” he said. “Cara has speed, quick hands and can drive the softball with the best of them. She’s a solid defender and has an excellent arm. It’s been a pleasure to coach Cara and watch her blossom out there on the field.”
