Lady Rebels Softball Honors Senior Haylee Beard

McKENZIE (April 30) — McKenzie High School softball celebrated lone senior Haylee Beard Thursday afternoon prior to the Lady Rebels' district play-in game against Clarksburg.

Haylee was honored on the field with her parents, April and Bryan Beard, and presented several gifts, including a softball signed by her teammates. Her number 11 adorned the backstop behind home plate, where she catches most games.

The senior and four-year player addressed her younger teammates, "Keep your head up. There will always be people that try to bring you down. Don't let them. Continue to be great and bring your best every day. Don't ever leave with a "what if." If you do, you're cutting your potential short. If you are struggling with softball or any sport, remember that you are more than a game. No matter when you walk on the field or the court, give it 110 percent. Always keep in mind, softball is 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical. My dad always told me that. Keep a positive mindset and the rest will follow. I love you."

Haylee capped the special day with a sixth-inning home run as McKenzie won, 8-3.