Catching up with Pace's Mercedes Howington

Pace High softball player Mercedes Howington’s advice to other students with goals is, “Don’t get stressed out. Get out there and believe you can do it.” [Special to the Press Gazette]

PACE — Pace High School student Mercedes Howington plays for the Patriots’ junior varsity softball team, playing outfield as jersey No. 6.

On March 17, Mercedes, a 10th-grader, hit a homerun in a game against the Milton Panthers. The final score was a tie, 4-4; Mercedes hit a homerun with a runner on base, making it a two run homerun, with one RBI.

Here, we catch up with Mercedes.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to go to the beach a lot. I like to hang out with my friends, and my boyfriend.

How much free time do you actually get?

Not a lot. Spring break has been the most time I’ve had free time. Right now, we’re in Orlando and we went to Universal Studios. Sometimes I get two days on the weekend, but it depends, because sometimes there’s fundraisers we do. We have practices every single day after school. I play (recreational) ball, too, so sometimes there’s like two practices a day.

How long have you been playing softball?

I have been playing for about six years.

What is your favorite color?

Purple.

And your favorite food?

I like Italian food a lot.

Have a favorite type of music, or a favorite band or artist?

I like any type of music, really. I listen to mostly country, hip-hop or rap.

Do you have a favorite show?

Right now, my favorite is “Shameless.” I’m watching that. But I also really like “Grey’s Anatomy.”

What advice would you give other students?

My freshman year, I didn’t try out for the Pace softball team, because I was too nervous. I did all the conditioning and everything, and when the time came, I didn’t do it.

I was upset with myself.

This year, my dad and my rec coach both said I needed to try out. So I did, and I made it.

So I would say, don’t get stressed out. Get out there and believe you can do it.

Editor's Note: This story initially said that Mercedes hit two homeruns, and that the score of the game was 9-1 loss. We've corrected the article. 

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Catching up with Pace's Mercedes Howington