For White County Warriorettes third baseman Addison Howell, the journey to the softball field started in an unexpected place.
Howell said she tried ballet for about a week before realizing it was not for her. Howell said her father stepped in with a different idea in softball. Howell said it did not take her long to find where she belonged.
Now entering her seventh season playing in the Sparta area, Howell has grown from a young player in a local youth league into a steady presence on the Warriorettes’ infield. Howell said she credits those early years, especially playing under her father, for shaping her love of the game.
“I just remember we would always practice at home before,” Howell said. “I would always get upset because I messed up. He was hard on me, but I loved it. I couldn’t think of doing anything else.”
Howell played in the Sparta youth league through middle school, developing not only her skills but also an appreciation for the fast pace of softball, even through the growing pains that came with learning the game.
Now a senior, Howell has become a consistent contributor for White County, providing experience and reliability at third base while contributing at the plate. Over her varsity career, she has totaled 37 hits, 27 RBIs and 32 runs scored, showing her ability to impact games in multiple ways. Howell said for her the biggest challenge has not always been physical.
“The hardest part for me has been the mental part, even after a mistake like getting over it and moving on,” Howell said. “I think I’ve really had to work hard on that.”
That mindset has become a key part of her development, especially in a sport where failure is inevitable. Howell said simplifying her approach has helped her stay confident in big moments.
“To simplify everything, you just have to go up there and like have fun,” Howell said. “You can’t be going up there thinking, I’m going to hit this ball. You just have to go up and have fun.”
With years of experience behind her and a more relaxed, confident mindset at the plate, Howell continues to be a valuable piece for the Warriorettes, a player whose journey from early frustration to steady leadership reflects both growth and dedication to the game.