October 26th 2024.
Meredith Barnhart is a rising star in Colorado softball. Despite already winning three state championships and securing a scholarship to Tennessee, she remains dedicated to her daily routine, including waking up at 5:15 in the morning to work out before school. Her drive and determination are unmatched, and she refuses to settle for anything less than her best.
Barnhart's hard work has paid off, as she has solidified her position as one of the top high school softball players in the country. However, she sees her current success as just the beginning and is constantly pushing herself to be even better. "There's always more to do," she says. "Colorado softball is great, but that's not where I measure myself. I don't know my limits, so why not push them? And I actually enjoy the grind. Waking up at 5:15 may be tough, but once I start working out, I feel good and it sets the tone for my day."
For the past four years, Barnhart has been a key player for Lutheran High School, leading her team to three state titles. In just five years, Lutheran has become a powerhouse in the sport, winning the Class 3A crown in 2021 and adding 4A titles in 2022 and 2023. This year, they are the heavy favorites to add a fourth championship to their trophy case at the CHSAA state tournament.
Glen Maestretti, Lutheran's head coach who has been coaching Barnhart since she was 5 years old, describes her as a one-of-a-kind player with a unique combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess. He believes she will do well in the SEC, and adds, "You just don't see kids that talented. She's a right-handed shortstop who hits left-handed, and not only does she hit, she's a power hitter. She's had this sweet left-handed swing since she was 5 years old."
Barnhart's exceptional performance on the field, including hitting a homerun during the Future Stars game broadcast on ESPN over the summer, has catapulted her into the spotlight. However, her teammates and coaches say that fame hasn't changed her. She remains the same humble and faith-focused young woman she was when she first joined Lutheran. She is actively involved in her youth group, enjoys school, and cherishes the time she spends on the field with her dad and brother, both of whom are assistant coaches for the Lions.
Barnhart shares, "As my platform grows, I see it as an opportunity to share who I am and why I play. Has fame crossed my mind? It has, but not for the reasons you might think. It excites me because of the potential impact I can have, not because of what I've achieved to get there."
While Barnhart may be the standout player on Lutheran's team, she is far from their only star. The private school has attracted top players from the Ponderosa, Legend, and Chaparral neighborhoods in Parker, giving them a competitive edge. Senior centerfielder Mackenzy Glenn, a Tulsa commit, leads the Lions with a .649 on-base percentage, while senior third baseman Aleksia Severson, a North Dakota commit, leads the team with a .553 average. Senior catcher Malea Yoxsimer, a Drake pledge, has a 1.109 OPS and is another four-year starter. The pitching trio of junior Ella Faries, sophomore Annie Schroeder, and freshman Reese Walker have a combined 2.20 ERA, carrying on the legacy of former star pitcher Hailey Maestretti, who is now playing at Utah.
With such a talented roster, Lutheran has dominated their opponents this season, racking up 105 wins and only one loss to Class 5A power Valor Christian. Glenn says their biggest challenge as a team has been learning when to turn on their "go mode." They have beaten several 5A teams, including state tournament qualifiers, and have outscored their 4A Pikes Peak League opponents by a whopping 133-14 margin.
As they head into the state semifinals, Glenn knows their team is ready for the biggest moments. She says, "Knowing that the big games are coming has refocused us leading into the state tournament. And come Saturday, with Meredith and all the other talent we have, we'll be ready for the biggest moments of the season."
As the state softball tournaments come to a close, all eyes will be on these players who have stood out throughout the season. Along with the quartet of stars from Lutheran, there are 10 more players to watch in the final games, including Neila Lucero from Riverdale Ridge, Emma Rice from Cherokee Trail, Kiley Wheaton from Broomfield, Charlotte Morgan from Legend, Molli Magaña from Windsor, Olivia Nesbit from Pueblo County, Isabella Arroyo from Holy Family, Emma Anderson from Eaton, Madi Olsen from Strasburg, and Sydney Goetzel from University. Each of these players brings their unique talents and skills to their respective teams, and they will undoubtedly make an impact on the field. All eyes will be on these players as they strive for victory in the final games of the CHSAA state softball tournaments.
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