“The Four Horsewomen and Beyond”: A Senior Spotlight with Center Fielder Tallulah Showrank

As her senior softball season winds down, Tallulah reflects on the sport that has shaped her into the athlete—and person—she is today. From little league memories to high school championships, she’s done it all with passion, leadership, and an unforgettable sense of humor.

Q: What first got you interested in softball?
Tallulah: My brother inspired me to start playing. We’re really close in age and I wanted to do everything he did. When he started baseball, I wanted to play softball so I could be just like him.

Q: What’s your favorite softball memory so far?
Tallulah: Winning the section championship my sophomore year. It had been a long time since our team had done that, and it was such a fun experience. Definitely a highlight.

Q: How do you mentally and physically prepare for games?
Tallulah: Mentally, I envision myself doing well—hitting the ball, making plays, and winning. The biggest thing for me is keeping a positive mindset the whole way through. Physically, I make sure to get a good night’s rest and eat well before games.

Q: What position do you play and what do you enjoy about it?
Tallulah: I play center field. I love the outfield and how engaging it is. There’s something to do every play, which keeps me focused and involved in the game.

Q: Can you talk about a challenge you’ve faced on the field and how you overcame it?
Tallulah: I made two errors in a game once and really had to prove I still deserved my position. I told myself I needed to come back strong—get a hit at my next at-bat and make the next play in the field. And I did.

Q: How do you handle pressure in tough situations?
Tallulah: I reset my mind to think of the score as 0-0. I don’t let outside factors affect me and keep my head clear. At the plate, I always enter with a positive mindset. In the field, I make sure I know where the next play is to stay ready.

Q: Any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Tallulah: Yes—my slicked-back ponytail! I do it before every game.

Q: What does leadership mean to you on the team?
Tallulah: Being a leader means keeping a positive attitude and always being there for others. I love helping people and making sure the younger girls know they can talk to me about anything.

Q: How has softball shaped you as a person?
Tallulah: Softball gave me my best friends—Kara, Bella, and Tori. We’ve been playing together since 8U, and we started travel softball together with Valley Rage in 14U. One of our coaches, Anthony Ross, called us “The Four Horsewomen” as a joke, but it stuck. Softball also taught me life lessons I might’ve had to learn the hard way. I’d be lost without it.

SIDEBAR: A Legacy of Heart — Tallulah’s Journey Through Hopewell Softball

From her first steps onto the diamond as an 8U player to her final innings as a senior, Tallulah has been a constant, inspiring presence in the Hopewell softball program. Her journey through the years is a testament to growth, resilience, and the deep love she has for the game and her teammates.

Tallulah’s softball story began with admiration—wanting to follow in her brother’s footsteps—but quickly evolved into a passion all her own. With each passing season, she not only sharpened her skills as an athlete but also grew into a natural leader. Her commitment to the game was never just about wins and stats—it was about the bonds she built, the lessons she learned, and the positive energy she brought to the field every day.

Throughout her time in the program, Tallulah became known for her tireless work ethic, her unwavering positivity, and her willingness to lift others up. Whether it was encouraging a teammate after a tough play or taking younger players under her wing, she exemplified what it means to be a role model. She embraced challenges, bounced back from setbacks, and always competed with heart.

The friendships she formed—especially with longtime teammates Kara, Bella, and Tori, affectionately known as “The Four Horsewomen”—have become an unforgettable part of her story. Together, they’ve grown from little leaguers to seasoned varsity athletes, building a bond that goes far beyond the game.

As Tallulah prepares to move on to Kent State University, her legacy in the Hopewell softball community is already firmly in place. She leaves behind a standard of leadership, sportsmanship, and love for the game that will inspire the next generation of players.

Hopewell softball is better because of her, and her impact will be felt for years to come.

Q: What’s next after high school?
Tallulah: I’m going to Kent State University to major in nursing. My softball career will end after high school, but I plan to come back and help the team during school breaks.

Q: What will you miss most about high school softball?
Tallulah: My team, for sure. I’ve built such great bonds with all the girls. I’m really going to miss them.

Q: How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?
Tallulah: I try to manage my time wisely. I get homework done during study halls so that after school, I can focus on softball and spend time with my friends. My friends are a huge part of who I am, and I always make time for them.

Q: What advice would you give to younger teammates?
Tallulah: Have fun and don’t stress too much. Senior year showed me how fast time flies. Enjoy everything—especially the team bonding—and don’t get too down over silly mistakes.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Tallulah: I want people to remember me as a good person. I hope my teammates look back and remember the fun times and the positive energy I brought to the team.

Quick Hits with Tallulah

• Team theme song: “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
• Walk-up song (if we had them): “Defying Gravity” from Wicked
• Funniest teammate: Kara Barkovich
• Go-to snack: Protein bar
• Dream teammate for a game: Karlyn Pickens (Tennessee Vols)
• Future coach prediction: Victoria Mann—she’s so passionate
• Favorite “crazy” play: Running full speed into the fence trying to catch a home run
• Actress to play you in a movie: Millie Bobby Brown
• Tradition you’d create: Bringing little league cheers to high school—they’re fun and keep morale up!

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