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by Jessica blackham
NS seniors Heather Howarth and Lexi Green committed to play softball for Snow College in the upcoming 2022-23 season.
Howarth and Green both started playing softball when they were only seven years old. They began playing on city-league teams, but at the age of ten they each decided to join club teams.
“Softball has always been number one for me,” Howarth said. “It’s always been my top priority. I’ve spent many weekends at tournaments and traveled all over the state for softball. I’ve met so many people playing this sport––it’s such a good community.”
When Howarth was 12 years old, she made a goal for herself that she would work hard so she could play in college. Throughout the years, Howarth hasn’t been exempt from doubts and challenges.
“I had a coach that I didn’t really get along with,” Howarth said. “I almost quit on the spot because of her. I wasn’t going to play high school ball or anything. Then luckily, I ended up finding a new team, but I was only in 7th or 8th grade, and it almost made me stop playing.”
Green understands the frustrations that come with playing a sport and also debated quitting softball.
“About four years ago, I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to play softball or not,” Green said. “I was having a hard time and I didn’t have the right mindset. I was kinda burnt out because we’d play every single weekend of the summer, and then every other weekend in the fall. I didn’t know if I wanted to keep going or not because it was so much.”
Green then had the opportunity to play on a national team, which opened her eyes back up to see how much she truly loves the sport. The new head coach of Snow College Softball, Chad Carpenter, also played an influential role in helping Green love Softball again. She has played on and off for him since she was about 8 years old.
“I’ve known Lexi since she was young,” Carpenter said. “I’ve coached her for several years, and in my opin- ion, she’s one of the best short-stops in Utah. She’s an amazing person on and off the field.”
Only a few days after Carpenter got the job as head coach, he offered Green to come and play for him at Snow Col- lege. She verbally committed to play for Snow on Aug. 21.
“Chad has taught me everything I know,” Green said, “He has such a great way of explaining things. He doesn’t get really pissed off, but he will take the time and show and tell you what you’re doing wrong. He has such compassion for the game. He loves softball, he lives for softball. He’s such a great coach and he’s the reason I choose to play at Snow.”
On the other hand, Howarth only verbally committed to play for Snow on Oct. 20.
“When I was talking to colleges, I really wanted to stay in Utah, or at least nearby,” Howarth said. “When Snow got a new coach, I really wanted to try and play for Snow.”
Carpenter was looking for a pitcher to play on a travel ball team he coached this past summer, and Green recom- mended Howarth. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Howarth broke her hand in the state softball tournament and was out for the entire summer.
“Heather was gonna join our team until she broke her hand, so I didn’t get to meet her at that point but I’d heard all about her through Lexi,” said Carpenter. “Heather actually came to our camp at Snow and she impressed me. I remember Lexi telling me all about her and how she’s not only a good player but also a good person.”
They’ll be a part of the first group of signees that Carpenter has brought in.
“I’m glad that Chad is willing to give local kids a chance,” said NS Softball Head Coach Landon Bailey. “Utah for some reason likes to recruit out of state or only kids from 6A schools which is frustrating because we have so many girls who are good enough to play. Heather and Lexi are amazing leaders and they deserve this amazing opportunity.”
