The Greenbrier East Lady Spartans have enjoyed an incredible season thus far in 2022. Currently in the regionals, East finished the regular season at 19-4 with just three seniors on the roster. That means, over the next couple of years, the Spartans have a chance to be successful with a lot of young talent in the program.
One of those talented youngsters, is sophomore Jenna Groves.
Groves has seen her role on the team increase this season. She finished the regular season with a .298 batting average and drove in 15 runs as a designated hitter. She has played a key role in the outcome in a handful of games and had several big hits that flipped the momentum of a contest. After playing some varsity last year as a freshman, Groves felt she got the experience she needed on how to be successful.
“As a freshman, I got a fair amount of varsity playing time due to some injuries on the team. That really made me learn to step up and be ready to do my job when the team would need me. Hitting was a struggle for me last season so that’s what I worked on most over the off season. I mostly just focused on getting as many swings in as I could and taking corrections seriously so I could become a better hitter,” Groves explained.
Even though her hitting has improved tremendously, there is still a hitting goal Groves would like to achieve.
“Hitting a home run is a personal goal that I’m really hoping I’ll achieve this season. As a team, going to states is for sure on the top of our list of goals as we begin regionals,” stated Groves.
However, home runs, hits, wins and losses all take a backseat to what is really important for the sophomore as one of her coaches called her ‘an inspirational leader for these girls.’
“My relationship with Christ has really grown over the last two years,” Groves said.
I’ve really began to live for the Lord, and during sports is no exception to that. For me, the Lord has really changed not just who I am as a person, but as a teammate as well. Treating others the way Jesus would is honestly what I try my best to live like. So, cheering on my teammates and being excited for their personal successes is something I try to always do because I know that’s what Jesus would’ve done. Knowing people can see his light in me is really cool, and I hope I continue to shine it for so many,” she added with a smile.
And it is for reasons like that why Groves would not change a single thing about this season.
“I honestly wouldn’t want to change anything about this season. As a team, we all really do enjoy playing together and our energy bounces off one another. We always say “if one hits we all hit” and I think that really exemplifies our team chemistry. The team’s high energy makes me want to play better and I think helps us all want to do well,” Groves said.
Another positive effect on Groves’ game this year is not necessarily what is going on in front of her in the field, but what is behind her up in the press box, where her mother, Amanda, sits every home game to run the scoreboard.
“My mom has never particularly understood much about the sports I play, so her starting to keep the scoreboard was huge,” Groves said.
“Angie Martin, who announces during games, has made her start paying attention, so she’s actually started to learn more about the game. It’s kind of nice because if there’s something I did in the game I can mention it to her afterward and she actually understands what I’m talking about,” Groves said with a smile.
Once Groves’ season is over, it will not technically be over. Her offseason schedule is all about hard work, which will also include preparing for volleyball where Groves is a standout as well.
“This summer I’ll be weightlifting in preparation for volleyball season, but I plan to continue to just get swings in when I can. Practice makes perfect, so getting the swings in repeatedly will only make me better for next season,” Groves concluded.
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