Now in her senior year at Valliant High School, DeLaney Willoughby has had lots of teammates, past and present, who have helped her become a strong team leader for the Lady Bulldogs while creating some of her favorite softball memories. “Some of the people who have most influenced me were Sydney and Destiny Browning who played here a couple of years ago, my best friend Western Mussett who graduated last year and Ainsely Trapp who is the only other senior on the team this year and is the kind of leader I’ve always wanted to be,” said DeLaney who plays catcher in fastpitch and either second base or outfield in slow pitch. “I’m a pretty vocal person. I guess being a catcher plays a part in that because you have to be vocal to be in that position. I try to be as positive as I can, but I know the young ones sometimes need a little push, so me and Ainsley kind of balance each other out because she’s more the strong, silent type leader. I think a good leader is consistent, strong-minded, strong-willed and not real bossy but encouraging people to do their best while you’re also doing your best.”
With just one athletic season left at Valliant High next spring, DeLaney is circumspect as she talks about her softball career. “There will always be games I’ll remember but I think enjoying the teams I’ve been on has really been a highlight for me. The team my sophomore year was special because we had a great fast pitch season (22-8) and thought we’d go far in the spring, but Covid wiped everything out that year. And this year’s team will also be very special to me. The care and willingness to work that everyone has brought to the table and the work ethic of the players and coaches has meant a lot to me.”
As she has progressed through school, DeLaney notes that her parents have been the main motivators in her life, always pushing her to do her best and coaches Tony Mussett in middle school and Tommy Howard in high school have also been big influences in her life. And her legacy? “I would like to be remembered as someone you could always pick up the phone and call if you needed to talk and as a friend to everyone,” said Willoughby.
DeLaney is hoping to play softball at the next level after graduation and thinks she’ll study business management in college.
