It was tied 8-8 in the bottom of the last inning. Two outs. Junior Sarah Shepard stood in scoring position, on third base, just one base away from home plate and winning the game against Rosati Kain, the school that handed Clayton a heartbreaking defeat in the Class 3 District 4 Championship one year ago. Then she did the unthinkable. She eyed home plate and decided to delay steal home. Shepard perfectly executed the play by taking advantage of the Rosati-Kain defense, running home to score a run and secure a walkoff win.

Not only is Shepard a strong offensive boost to the team, she is also the the team’s go-to pitcher, crafting a 10-2 record and a 3.50 earned run average.

Transferring from St. Joseph’s Academy, Shepard has adjusted to the new team with ease. Shepard says that in addition to practices, playing multiple games a week has brought her closer to her teammates. “It has been really easy to like make the switch,” Shepard said. “I’m such an open person, I’m not shy and I will just talk to anyone on the team.”

A difference in the two teams Shepard noticed was the level of enthusiasm in Clayton’s team that St. Joseph’s Academy lacked.

“I didn’t really like St. Joe’s team because like no one put their heart into it and our coach just yelled at us a lot. It just wasn’t fun,” Shepard said. “At Clayton everyone is really excited to play. We are winning a lot. We have had the most winning season at Clayton in the past decade. That’s fun.”

Shepard did not always want to become a pitcher. At first, she hated softball. Her parents put her on a teeball team when she was young, but  Shepard preferred soccer. In sixth grade, Shepard began seriously playing softball and joined a club softball team in seventh grade.

She picked the pitcher position because of the amount of responsibility and leadership it takes.

“I have always been a leader and the pitcher probably takes the most control because I’m in every play,” Shepard said.

One of the ways Shepard has distinguished herself as the leading pitcher in the Suburban Central-National League is that she thrives on tough competition and pressure.

“I love competing under pressure because it makes me play a hundred times better,” she said.

Teammate Emily Sharp believes that beyond the amount of skill Shepard brings to the team, she has strengthened the team members’ connection with one another, making it easier to play as a team and work hard.

“Not only is she a super-talented player, and she definitely is, but she brings this crazy enthusiasm to every game that really pumps everyone up,” Sharp said.

CHS softball coach Chris Livingston also sees Shepard’s importance on the team besides being a phenomenal pitcher. In addition to her ability to bring the team together, she keeps the team focused on every play.

“When she takes the mound, she’s poised and confident. I think the rest of the team feeds off of that,” Livingston said. “She’s a really good player but I think the other [characteristic] maybe unnoticed by other people is that she is very calm. A lot of really good players are really intense and they can get everybody kind of worked up. She has a good calming effect on everybody.”

This year, Shepard has proven herself to be vital to the softball team’s goal of winning the Class 3 District 4 Championship. She struck out the first nine batters she faced over a familiar foe: the Rosati Kain Cougars.

Ultimately, Shepard’s goal is to take her game further and play in college. She has already brought a new element to the softball team by giving them a taste of the post-season games. By setting an example for the other members of the team, she has undoubtedly increased the level of intensity and enthusiasm within Clayton’s softball team.