The lead off hitter must be able to reach the base at a proficient rate and be able to steal bases. Starting off the game, the lead off hitter posses the ability to put their team ahead. That is exactly what junior Jillian Foote does for the varsity softball team.

Her speed and ability to make contact with the softball makes her a perfect lead-off hitter for the Lady Sequoits softball team. She knows it is her job to try and get on base as much as possible so her teammates can drive her home.

“It is also nice to get more at bats to increase my batting average,” Foote said.

Foote is a three-year varsity starter, with her high school career only looking more optimistic moving forward. As a sophomore, Foote was an all-state player with a batting average of .418. In her junior season she is looking to surpass last season’s stats and hopefully become a player on the all-state team once again.

She has been playing softball for seven years, and has always represented Antioch. Foote started out playing with Antioch Youth Little League. While some might believe it is difficult for players to be as committed and focused as Foote is, but Foote would disagree. She cites her parents as her biggest supporters; her dad is a significant impact for why she started playing.

“My dad played college baseball, so he has had a big influence on my softball career and where I am now,” Foote said.

The competition of every game drives her passion to play day in and day out, and makes softball her favorite of all sports to watch and play.

Just like the name, student athlete, Foote puts her grades before softball. She knows that keeping her grades up is more important than anything during softball season because she wants to play as much as possible and cannot without good grades.

“I try and get my homework done during school,” Foote said. “If I don’t, it is the first thing I get done when I get done with practice.”

The usual day of practice contains starting off with agilities. Then the team throws, and then hitting. This is when Foote does what she can to make herself a better player. She tries her best to always get the most out of every practice no matter what they are doing. Putting her best effort into practice helps separate Foote from the rest.

Teammate and junior Annie Wagner spoke about Foote’s effort in practice. “Jill is one of the hardest working players on the team,” Wagner said. “She is a great softball player and her work ethic in practice proves why she is one of the best.”

Foote’s positive attitude and ability is a key reason for her success. While every hit, stolen base and defensive stop are positives in her athletic career, one moment stands out in particular. It was the regional game, her freshman year. They were losing by four in the fifth inning.

“We ended up coming back and making the score to the game four to four. Then the bases were loaded and I came up to bat,” Foote said. “I hit a double to left center and we ended up winning the game 7 to 4.”

As a junior, Foote is looking into the future for what softball may bring her. She is pursuing the option of playing college softball at the University of Wisconsin—Green Bay, a Division I university.

“I went to camp there not too long ago, I am still waiting for a call back,” Foote said. “It was a very comforting campus, and the classes weren’t too big or too small. I also really liked the coaches.”

Although the team is young, Foote has big expectations for her and her team. Having no seniors on the team, the ladies are led by a strong group of juniors. Knowing this, she will try her best to repeat the team’s success and her own. She is willing to do anything to make an impact, this is what makes her one of the best in the state.