Most people wouldn’t think that weight training would be a fun thing to do in your spare time. But the fact that Stringtown senior Gracie Dunlap does is what makes her a better athlete.

“She’s one we can count on to get the big hit or make the big play,” says Gracie’s coach Cherokee Anderson. “She plays shortstop for us and has great range and a great arm and even though she doesn’t like to pitch, she did step in a couple of times last year and help us out. She’s a quiet leader but if we’re going through a rough patch, she’ll step up and be a good encourager and add some excitement.”

Her entry into softball was thanks to her older sister.

“She was just crazy about softball and so about the fifth grade she got me excited enough to try it. I started out as a pitcher through middle school and in high school I fell in love with catching.”

But then there was a setback.

“I suffered a knee injury my sophomore year during basketball and was told that my catching days were over. So, I had to re-focus mentally and find my love for the game at another position and that’s how I landed at shortstop. “

As noted, Gracie also plays basketball and says she doesn’t really have a favorite sport-just whichever one is in season at the moment. She’s also in National Honor Society and the Upward Bound program and describes herself as powerful, tenacious and radiant. She takes her role as a senior leader on the team very seriously.

“I focus on creating a positive environment for the girls and on bringing the spirit during practice. I want to be the person to take charge and be accountable for everybody and be the person who has to make the tough decision while everyone is doing their part,” said Gracie.

Upon graduation, Gracie plans to attend OSU and study nutritional sciences. She says she would like to be remembered as a strong woman, good leader and great friend to her teammates.