A PANTHER STAPLE

NRHEG’s Sophie Stork has been a key contributor for Panthers sports across both volleyball and basketball so far this year; however, where the senior is truly shining is on the softball field.

In Stork’s last five games on the mound for the Panthers, she has allowed just two earned runs in 34 innings pitched while striking out 44 batters.

“She’s been starting for us – and it seems like just yesterday – since her seventh-grade year,” said Coach Wendy Schultz. “We threw her in during a section game when our pitcher was struggling, and as a little seventh grader, she struck a couple of batters out. She’s been our starter ever since.”

Stork’s dominant stretch has catapulted NRHEG to a five-game winning streak and positioned the Panthers at 6-1 overall and 5-1 in conference play to sit in second place in the Gopher Conference.

“It’s definitely rewarding being out there for them. They have my back every game and it’s just so fun to go out there and play with this group. Some people would think that after five years of pitching for this team I wouldn’t get nervous, but every time I take the field my heart rate is definitely up there,” said Stork.

Stork’s contributions to the team’s success also come in ways outside of just pitching.

While some coaches elect to not have their pitchers bat and assign designated hitters, Stork has been a staple in the Panthers’ batting order and a regular offensive contributor.

In the same five-game stretch, Stork has six hits, two runs and three RBIs as well as an active hit streak that stands at seven games since the team’s opening day game against Blue Earth Area.

Stork’s presence on the field hasn’t caught only the eyes of Panthers fans as well.

The senior will suit up for both Hamline University’s girls basketball and softball teams next fall as a freshman in college.

“I’m definitely very excited. You know, it’s a big city and there will be a lot of new people, but I’m also a little nervous,” Stork said. “I’d say that I’ve always been used to having the same teammates and coaches, so I’m a little bit uncertain about how I’m going to fit in, but it is a great feeling knowing that I’m not done playing sports because they’ve always been such a big part of my life. Saying goodbye to the Panthers jersey is definitely going to be hard though.”

Those looking to watch Stork’s storied Panthers career continue this season can watch her take the field for NRHEG next at home on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.