Gallery by Karen Akers
Shady Spring – Shady Spring’s Olivia Barnett has treated athletics like an appetizer trio. She picked different sports here and there to play.
Name one and she’s probably played it. Golf, softball, swimming, volleyball, etc.
Choosing one to play at the next level would seem difficult given that knowledge but that wasn’t the case for the all-state infielder.
Barnett made her decision official Thursday afternoon at Shady Spring High School, signing her Letter of Intent to play college softball up the road at WVU Tech.
The decision ultimately came down to whether she wanted to play volleyball or softball in Beckley, but ultimately chose the latter.
“I’ve played softball since I was about four or five years old and instantly fell in love with it,” Barnett said. “I’ve just always loved the game. I get excited every time I step on the field and it’s been one of those feelings that you can’t replicate. I love volleyball but I just don’t get the same feelings, ya know? Softball has always been my love, my favorite sport ever.”
For Barnett Tech itself was a natural fit, not just because of what it offered her from a softball standpoint but also what she could gain from the academic side of the institution. While most signees say that their college of choice felt like a new home, Barnett is able to openly elaborate on the specifics that placed her on the path to choosing Tech.
“We started workouts with WVU Tech a couple of years ago,” Barnett said. “I started to get to know some of the players and coaches. I kind of liked it and then I was on (Tech head coach) Amber’s (Affholter) travel team a couple of years ago and I just love her coaching style. Tech’s pretty close to home which is pretty important to me. It’s not a super big school which is also perfect for me. Honestly it’s everything I’ve ever dreamt of in a school and it’s a good academic school as well which is great for me because academics are pretty important.”
Ever the ambitious one, Barnett plans to double-major in chemistry and biology. That ambition has driven her and opened up the opportunity to play at the next level. A two-time all-stater, Barnett hit .610 with nine home runs and 53 RBIs last season. An infielder at the high school level, she doesn’t yet know exactly where she’ll play in Beckley, just that she’ll do what she’s asked to.
“I don’t know, I’ll just play where she puts me,” Barnett said. “I don’t really have a preference. I’ll play wherever, I’m just happy to be there.”
As far as stepping up to the next level of competition, Barnett already has seen a glimpse of what she might expect. As a freshman she faced Wyoming East graduate and current Glenville State pitcher Holly Brehm. She also saw current teammate and Penn St. signee Paige Maynard. Her work on the travel circuit hasn’t hurt either.
“I’ve seen some really good pitchers in travel ball because we’ve been to some really good tournaments,” Barnett said. “I think that has prepared me more than anything – seeing those types of teams and facing them.”
