Warren’s Caitlyn Britton heard the laughter and words declaring her class level that were directed toward her from the the dugout.
Her experience taught her to ignore them.
Britton was comfortable being in the spotlight after going 3-for-3 in Monday’s 5-3 North Suburban Lake loss to Libertyville in nine innings.
With a few teammates clapping and chanting “freshman,” Britton was not fazed.
She is, after all, no ordinary freshman. Promoted to the softball varsity earlier this season, Britton earlier had gained valuable experience by playing most of the season on Warren’s varsity basketball team.
“I’m kind of used to being on the varsity now,” Britton said, smiling.
Along with Kayla Nommensen, Britton is one of two freshmen on Warren’s talent-filled team. The Blue Devils (17-11, 8-2) have four Division I players on their roster, including pitcher Hannah Nommensen (North Carolina) and center fielder Emily Hudgins (Penn State).
“She’s been doing really good for us this year, playing some designated player and outfield and first base as well,” Warren coach Jenna Anderson said. “She kind of flips back and forth between designated (player) and outfield. The two freshmen are kind of going back and forth in the outfield and designated player spot. They both have adapted well and hit really well. Caitlyn has been a force to be reckoned near the bottom of our order.”
Britton, who played left field in Monday’s loss, didn’t foresee her early success at the high school level.
“I didn’t expect to really play varsity this season (in softball),” she said. “It’s amazing. I’m just happy my coach brought me up to the varsity and I just want to help the team win games. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. I was excited to just be able to be up on varsity; that’s a privilege. I’m excited to play with these girls. They are really nice and cheer me up as a freshman.
“It was a lot of fun on varsity basketball, too. I stayed up on the varsity for half of the year, then went down to get more playing time on junior varsity.”
Britton’s height, strong build and poise are signs for a bright future in both sports. Britton got on base all four times, and drove in a run with a single in her first at-bat Monday. Britton said she wasn’t bothered by the pressure of a tight conference game and facing off against Libertyville pitcher Hannah Heraty.
“I’m really happy with how I played,” Britton said. “I fixed my swing a little bit. We played well as a team and got some runs, but couldn’t win the game.
“I changed my swing a bit. I was rounding it before, but now I’m keeping my elbow in more now and helped me more. I felt really at ease and was ready to hit and excited to be playing and to hit today.”
Bob Narang is a freelance writer for the News-Sun
Twitter @bobnarang
