Williamstown senior Courtney Dotson helped lead the softball team to last year’s state tournament. Dotson starts at shortstop for the Yellowjackets. RON JOHNSTON The Marietta Times

Courtney Dotson

Williamstown High

Year: senior

Nickname: Dotty

Age: 18

GPA: 3.5

Sports: softball, basketball, volleyball

College: West Liberty

Major: Pharmacy

Family: Greg and Heather Dotson (father and mother); brother Tyler Dotson

Question: The Williamstown softball team went to state for the first time last year. That had to have been a memorable year?

Answer: Last year was very exciting. I was very shocked to see that we made it that far for the first time in school history. At state, we got third.

We lost a very strong senior class from that team.

Q: How are things going for the team this spring?

A: I think we’re starting to mesh more. The freshmen who are stepping up now were just nervous in the beginning. Now, they’re getting more comfortable and they’re doing their job.*

*After Tuesday, April 18, Williamstown owned a 10-8 overall record and was 8-1 in the Little Kanawha Conference.

Q: I’ve got to believe that softball is your favorite sport?

A: (Laughs) Yes, by far.

Q: How long have you been playing softball?

A: Since I was eight-years-old.

Q: Who got you interested?

A: My dad played baseball in college for a year, at OVU. He played center field. I used to play center but not anymore, though.

Q: Have you always been a shortstop?

A: When I first started, I played third base and then I got moved to the outfield. Then, when I was in the seventh grade, they moved me to shortstop. I’ve played there ever since.

Q: At shortstop, you’re right in the middle of all the action?

A: (Laughs) I get a lot of hard-hit groundballs.

Q: You were first-team all-state last season. That had to have been very satisfying?

A: It was very exciting. I was very glad to get it.

That’s one of my goals, to do it again this year. And, I hope that I can also get first-team All-LKC again.

Q: What did you hit last year?

A: .560.

Q: Do you think you’d like to play college softball?

A: I’ve talked to the West Liberty coach, and we’re still talking. And, I think that I might play there. As a pharmacy major, it’s going to be difficult.

Q: How’d you happen to select West Liberty?

A: I visited there in my sophomore year, and I’ve just always liked it up there.

I had a volleyball tournament up there at Bethany, and then we went and drove around West Liberty — and I just loved it up there. My parents are actually excited that I’m going there.

Q: During your career, is there a particular highlight that stands out?

A: Last year, when we played Belpre, I just felt like I was really on that game. I don’t think anything got past the left field side. We had each other’s backs. I hit really well that game also.

Q: Are you a longball hitter?

A: (Laughs) No. I just hit the holes and try to get on base, so I can get around.

Q: Where do you bat in the order?

A: First. Last year, I had 33 stolen bases. I’m hoping to get more this year.

Q: Do you follow Major League Baseball?

A: Yeah. (Laughs) The (Chicago) White Sox are my favorite team.

Q: Why the White Sox?

A: My dad watched a game, and they were playing the Yankees. Ever since then, I’ve always watched them.

Q: Do you have a favorite player?

A: (Laughs) No. I just like the team.

Q: You’re also a basketball and volleyball player at Williamstown?

A: Basketball’s not my strong suit. I just liked playing it to keep in shape for softball.

Q: What was your position in volleyball?

A: I played middle hitter and outside hitter. I can jump pretty high. I’ve got that going for me.

Q: Who’s been your inspiration?

A: My dad and I have always played in the backyard when I was real little. We just passed the ball back and forth. Then, one day, he started talking to me and we went to a field. And, I told him that I really wanted to play and he got me signed up.

He’s probably the hardest coach I’ve ever had.

My parents try to make every game that they can. They don’t like to miss any.

Q: What do you do off the playing field?

A: I pretty much play softball year-round. In the summer, I play for the West Virginia Wildfire team, a traveling team.

Q: Anything else that you’d like to add?

A: It’s my last season at this high school, and I’m going to miss it a lot. This Friday’s Senior Night (vs. Wirt County), and that’s going to be very upsetting for my parents.

Q: Do you have a favorite subject at school?

A: Math. I love math.

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Ron Johnston, rjohnston@mariettatimes.com