Tristen Pearson recently opted play college softball for State College of Florida in Bradenton following graduation from Pace High School. Although the season ended for the Lady Patriots on Thursday with a 5-0 loss to Oakleaf High School in Clay County, Pearson said she still enjoyed playing alongside her teammates during the successful run.
“I was able to finish off with a great bond with my friends, they are also my family, I will miss them,” Pearson said.
Pearson played multiple positions for the Lady Patriots over the course of her four-year tenure at the school.
“I feel like (playing) outfield was my best job,” she said. “It wasn’t necessarily my favorite position (although) that was what I was able play best at and help my team.”
Pearson’s coach Amy Wolfenden said it is her versatility which makes her beneficial to any team.
“She has played shortstop, she has played outfield, she has played from behind the plate,” Wolfenden said. “She is just that versatile solid player that she can play anywhere you need her… and will do a great job.”
Wolfenden also praised Pearson for her leadership role over the course of her senior year.
“She really is that vocal leader and we had a freshmen pitcher this year and (Pearson) told her how to speak up to the rest of the team,” Wolfenden said.
Pearson plans to take what she has learned from her experience at Pace and attribute it to college.
“No matter the circumstances , you have to work through things, even if it’s not to your liking,” she said. “I am going to work my butt off, even if I don’t get to play.”
Pearson plans to play middle infield and outfield for SCF, she also plans to pursue a degree in accounting while in college in South Florida.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pace: Pearson opts for State College of Florida (VIDEO)