Her teammates don’t know precisely when it will happen, but they know it’s always coming.
During nearly every Simi Valley High girls’ softball practice, Callie Grant will pierce the silence on the field by breaking into song.
Whether it’s lyrics by jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald or the rock band Journey, Grant has given a new meaning to the term “vocal leader.”
The sophomore third baseman has set the tone in more ways than one this season for Simi Valley, which opens the CIF-Southern Section Division I playoffs today at home against Saugus.
“I just really love singing,” Grant said. “It’s something that I have always done and it calms me down when I am nervous. It helps me play better because I am more relaxed when the game starts.”
Grant is batting .380 with 27 hits and 23 runs scored. The leadoff batter, described by teammates and coaches as “bubbly,” helped Simi Valley capture the Marmonte League title with a .494 on-base percentage and 14 stolen bases in 14 attempts.
Despite being a sophomore, Grant was named a team captain this season.
“She is a little spark plug when it comes to the game and brings a lot of energy,” Simi Valley coach Russ Michael said. “She does a phenomenal job as a leadoff hitter by taking a lot of pitches and making the pitcher work and her on-base percentage is great. Besides that, she makes tremendous plays on defense.”
Grant knew her role would increase this season following the graduation of fellow slapper Amber Olive.
Grant watched how Olive handled the leadoff spot, and tried to learn as much as possible.
“I relied heavily on her to do the job when I couldn’t, and with that crutch gone away, I knew I had to step up and take more responsibility,” Grant said. “I feel like I have a lot more confidence this season because there is a lot more on me as a captain and leader of the team.”
Softball is definitely a family affair for Grant. She is the third Grant sister to play for Michael at Simi Valley (Amanda graduated in 2005 and Rebecca in 2008).
Callie and Rebecca teamed to sing the national anthem at Senior Day this season.
“I have known the mom and dad for years because of their daughters and all the personalities of their daughters are the same,” Michael said. “They are all dedicated and spirited and outstanding players, so when I heard the youngest Grant was coming, it was good news. She has met all my expectations.”
Simi Valley junior Jordyn Ball has played with Grant since they were 6 and enjoyed every minute.
“Being on the same team as her is one of the most fun experiences I have ever had and I’ve had the privilege to do it for almost 10 years now,” Ball said. “Callie is always in a good mood and always picks me up. She just has a very positive attitude.”
If there is ever a down day in Grant’s life, Ball knows the indicator.
“I can tell when she is in a bad mood if she is not singing,” Ball said. “She is always singing. She basically knows every single song from the ’50s on. It is ridiculous. My teammates and I are trying to convince her to try out for ‘American Idol’ next season.”
But while Grant’s teammates admire her singing abilities, the songs on her iPod are not as universally cheered.
“Nobody listens to my music,” Grant said. “One of the jokes of the team is I have really bad music. But I have always been one to like old music. I am an old soul, I guess you could say.”
Grant believes Simi Valley has the components necessary on and off the field to make a deep playoff run like her sister Rebecca’s team did in 2008. That team reached the CIF-SS final.
“Our personalities have jelled together well and we all like each other,” Grant said. “We don’t really have that much drama, and if we do, it’s usually small stuff that is solved easily. Plus we have a lot of talent. Those two things combined are why we have been winning.”
Although statistics can help determine a player’s worth in softball, judging singing is more subjective.
Grant has posted the numbers to solidify her status in the former, and figures she must be OK at the latter as well.
“I guess I am a good singer because nobody has told me to stop,” she said.
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/may/20/simi-valley-has-a-player-who-clearly-sets-the/?vcspreps=1
