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Chloe Spitz is a senior on the Buchanan softball team.

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?

CS: Being able to continue the sport I love after high school. So many athletes have to “hang up their cleats” and never play again. I was just blessed with the opportunity to continue.

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?

CS: I don’t really think I have many disappointments, more like lessons that I have learned throughout the game.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

CS: My hero is Trish Gardini, my pitching coach. She has done more for me as a ball player and a person than ever expected. She is truly who I look up to. She is everything that I want to be. She is strong, caring, and always there for everyone. She created a second home for me (Dugout Dolls) with hitting and pitching clinics where I’ve met so many amazing people and learn so much about myself and life.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

CS: I’m most nervous when I’m the [batter’s] box not knowing what’s going to come at me or if I should swing or not, is truly nerve-racking.

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

CS: Well, there are plenty to choose from. I’m always the clumsy one or the one doing things to make others smile. But some of the ones I can think of is falling on my face in the middle of fielding for ground ball or rounding first and falling on my face.

How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself?

CS: At my second home — Dugout Dolls. This place truly is amazing and has honestly made me into the athlete I am today.

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

CS: If I didn’t play softball I would for sure be playing ice hockey. Which is kind of a stretch from softball, but I love the aggression.

Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?

CS: Sports are where you meet your family, your sisters or brothers. High school is a hard time and having your team there is always an amazing feeling. Your teammates just aren’t there for you on the field/court — they are there for you in real life situations.

How would you give away $50,000?

CS: I honestly would give it back to the place that built me as a ball player, Dugout Dolls. Everyone there has pushed me to be the best at not only softball but in school and everyday life. They are my second family.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

CS: Honestly, I would love to coach Buchanan’s team. These girls are truly amazing and work so hard. They are an amazing group of girls. They always amaze me with all they do.

If I did not play sports, I would…?

CS: I would be fishing and/or in the outdoors in some sort of way. The outdoors are truly amazing to me and I love to be around it.

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

CS: The mental game that comes with this sport. Most people think it’s all about athleticism, but it’s not. It is more a head game. You have to be mentally focused and not psych yourself out. You have to be able to forget mistakes and continue playing without it getting to you.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

CS: I wouldn’t change a thing if I’m honest. I love this game the way it is.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

CS: “You really are a team leader Chloe. You never are down on yourself and others and I love that about you.” It was the best feeling ever getting that compliment. It meant the world because all I try and do it be there for my teammates/sisters and keep everyone upbeat.

What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?

CS: My younger sister Paige. Paige has a nerve condition (parsonage Turner Syndrome) in which she can’t lift her right arm past a 90-degree angle, and yet she does everything the same. She still plays sports, even if it requires her to bat with one hand, and just lives life like anyone else. She truly is amazing in all she does. She a trooper.

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

CS: Fishing. I love to fish and to be outdoors.

Choose one word to describe yourself:

CS: Spontaneous.