By Ken Hansard

The Ell-Saline Cardinals softball team finished third at the Kansas State 2-1A state tournament last year, placing first in the Heart of America league and posting a 20-4 record. Gabey Norris, a senior pitcher who moonlights as a catcher, would like to improve on that: “Every year it’s our goal to make it farther at state. Each year I have played, we have accomplished that goal. We want to continue that goal this season.”

Achieving that means reaching the state championship game, which Norris knows that is a lofty, but reachable, goal. To that end, Gabey put in a lot of work in the off-season to improve an already impressive pitching repertoire. “One of my main weaknesses was my change-up. I focused on gaining more control and confidence with my change-up by throwing it more over the summer in tournaments and practices.”

The Cardinals will need to have some new faces step forward this year, “We lost some senior leadership from last year and we’re looking to fill those spots.” Norris seems ready and able to fill the leadership void, “The seniors have a tradition of making sure everyone feels included and part of the softball family, and I want to continue that.

I see myself as a leader. I pitched almost every game last season. Being in the circle puts a lot of pressure on me to lead.”

Besides softball, Norris also plays basketball, is the president of the Ell-Saline S.A.F.E. Club, and is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS). She plays summer softball for the Kansas Blue Sox.
Regardless of this season’s outcome, Norris has enjoyed the journey. “My love for sports came from playing with my best friends. I love getting to make new friends from sports.” 

Gabey plans to attend Wichita State University to study Forensic Science.