Finding a home

Only a freshman in high school, McKinney North’s Haley Wagner has lived through a lifetime of changes.

At least in regards to the number of position switches on the softball diamond she has.

Since the sixth grade, Wagner has lined up at nearly every spot on the diamond , but this season she may have found a home roaming the pastures of center field.

“I’ve played pretty much everywhere,” Wagner said. “I started out at first base and then they stuck me at third base because I could handle bunts pretty well. Later on my coaches realized that my speed wasn’t being utilized so they put me at short.”

Almost two years ago she was moved out of the infield and into a corner outfield post. Wagner’s move to center didn’t occur until the beginning of last summer. Even after years and years of adjusting to new positions, Wagner’s first impressions of center weren’t very kind.

“I wasn’t comfortable at all,” Wagner said. “I used to hate centerfield because I had been at third for so long. They stuck me in centerfield and expected me to go get everything. It took some time getting used to that.”

Even after a summer of playing centerfield for the U-16 Texas Glory, Wagner still had issues with the position, though none were big enough to keep her out of the varsity lineup once the 2008 season rolled around.

North head coach Dan Sedgwick knew any doubts about Wagner’s ability to adjust would be erased due to her unique combination of athleticism and her tireless work ethic. His decision to ride out Wagner’s development has paid off this season as she has been a major part of the Lady Bulldogs’ road to the this weekend’s 4A Region II final matchup with Waco Midway.

“She’s struggled in some games this year with reading some line-shot fly balls, but she’ll come out here and work her tail off at reading those types of hits,” Sedgiwck said. “That’s a testament to her ‘coachability’ and her hard work.”

Wagner credits her success to teammate Kathy Shelton and her father Kevin Shelton, who was responsible for her move to centerfield last summer during training sessions with the Glory.

Not only has Kathy motivated Wagner to improve her defense, but the junior shortstop standout has also pushed Wagner to be a better baserunner.

“I know that when she hits a triple I’ve got to get moving,” Wagner said. “It inspires me when I know she’s behind me and it’s like a race with her.”

Looking back at Wagner’s abilities in center when the season began and where she is now, there is no ceiling for what the freshman is capable of in the next three years. At least, Sedgwick hopes so.

“As long as she continues working as hard as she has this season, and I know she will, I truly believe the sky is the limit,” he said. “I think she’s going to be able to go to school where she wants to go to school. She’s just that kind of an athlete. She’s a great kid too. She makes great grades. She’s just an all-around great kid.”

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