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REEDSVILLE -- On the softball field, the Lady Patriots 12 and Under softball team usually looks to break a few hearts with their play on the diamond, defeating the opposition.
On Saturday, players and coaches spread the love by handing out
homemade Valentine's Day cards to residents at Celebration Villa of Reedsville, just in time for the Feb. 14 holiday.
"This group of athletes has a great dynamic on the field, as well as off the field," Lady Patriots 12U head coach Catelin Kerstetter said. "They display a high level of sportsmanship, hard work and determination. They recognize their role as athletes is about more than just what happens on the field and are dedicated to academics and their community.
"The players also have very caring hearts and an overall willingness to help others," she added. "They have expressed excitement regarding their upcoming visit to play Bingo, converse and spend time with those currently residing at Celebration Villa."
A week ago, players gathered for a few hours to create the personalized Valentine's for the local nursing home residents. Instead of showing their athletic talents with a glove, bat or ball, they put their creativity, teamwork, humor and camaraderie on display.
"A variety of decorations were created including card canvases, mini Valentine trees and Valentine wreaths," Kerstetter explained. "Not only did the players come together to create Valentines, coaches, parents, and even grandparents were involved, which highlights the family-oriented nature of our organization. At the conclusion of the project, the team had completed approximately 50 handmade Valentines."
Besides distributing their cards, the players also enjoyed visiting with the residents and played bingo.
The event marked the first community service project for the team, which came together in 2022. Last year - their start-up campaign - Kersetter and her coaching staff focused on the on-field product, establishing the team's goals and priorities.
This year, the Lady Patriots wanted to bond off the field by completing their first service event together.
Kerstetter said the Lady Patriots softball organization has existed for about 20 years. "Fun fact, I played for the team in my younger years," Kerstetter joked.
"Things are now full circle, and I am able to give back to the organization," she added. "Steve Benner was the coach when I played, who unfortunately passed away shortly after the time I spent playing for him."
One of the Lady Patriots' annual tournaments is held in Benner's memory, the 15th Annual Steve Benner Memorial Tournament.
The sport to Kerstetter and the team is so much more than the game itself.
"Each level of playing has different goals and focuses," Kerstetter said. "Ours has really been teaching the players proper mechanics and fundamentals to provide a strong and safe foundation for future playing."
This year, the Lady Patriots will field two teams: age 12 and under; and 18 and under. Organizers try to hold unique events to give their schedule some new twists.
"We host a number of home tournaments, which offer playing opportunities to teams in central PA and surrounding areas," Kerstetter said. "One of our most popular tournaments is Midnite Madness. "This tournament starts later in the day, and the championship game is played at midnight. It seems to be a favorite for many of the players."
Players on the team include: Chelsea Anewalt, Olivia Bedlyon, Brenna Benny, Lily Curry, Emily Dickson, Kaylyx Dunn, Callie Kuhns, Jemma Kanagy, Gracie Kerstetter, McKenna Roush, Quinnie Williams and Bella Yoder. They are coached by Kerstetter, along with assistant coaches Kyle Anewalt, Brad Bedlyon and Gavin Claycomb.