LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – The Greenbrier East Lady Spartans begin regional play this week against George Washington, as East will look to get to the state tournament for the first time in school history.
One player that has contributed to the Spartans’ extraordinary season with her bat and her glove is little Hailey Ervin, or Hay-Hay as she is known amongst family and friends, due to her personality and actions resembling the chicken from the movie “Moana.” For more clarity on that, fast forward to 13 minutes in and you can see why her family gave her the nickname. Hilarious stuff.
But in all seriousness, Ervin does not eat rocks and is small in stature, but she carries a big bat. She is hitting .359 this season with five doubles. She has also belted two homeruns, has 13 RBIs and has scored 27 runs. Throw in some incredible catches in the outfield, and Ervin has been a key piece to the Lady Spartans’ puzzle.
Ervin is always counted on to keep the team loose, and she made a perfect example of that just a few short weeks ago in a game at Herbert Hoover. The Spartans took to the field in their road green uniforms, but Ervin stood out in the crowd, as she was donning her freshly cleaned home white uni, but it gave her a forever memory she will never forget.
“My favorite memory this season has to be when we beat Herbert Hoover even though I was wearing a different uniform. Everyone will always know me as the Libero of softball,” she said laughing.
Ervin comes from a sports family. Her dad, Tony Ervin, is an assistant coach with the team. Her mom, Jennifer Ervin, was a great athlete in her playing days and her little brother, Peyton Ervin, will be a name to watch in a few years at East. She also shares the field with her older sister, Josi Ervin. Though they bicker and argue sometimes, Hailey looks up to Josi more than her older sister will ever know.
“My family has played a huge role in my journey throughout softball because they are always pushing me to do my best, and getting to play with Josi has made it so much better because she is such a good team leader. She makes everyone feel welcome, and has a smile on everyone’s faces,” Hailey Ervin said.
It is also Josi’s faith that inspires Hailey Ervin, and when the eldest graduates a few weeks from now, Hailey knows what path to follow to become a great leader like her sister.
“Playing with Josi has been such a great experience for me and has made me so much better not only in softball but in my walk with Christ. When she is gone, it will be very hard and I will miss her, and now is time for me to step up and be a leader,” Hailey Ervin stated.
However, both are still teammates right now, and the series with George Washington can determine the legacy both leave behind. Hailey Ervin knows winning would be a milestone, but spending even more time with her teammates is a win already.
“In regionals, I would like to win but just getting to play with the girls will make it a success,” she said.
So, no matter the outcome with the Patriots, the future is still shining bright in Fairlea with Hailey Ervin knowing what she has to do over her next two years.
“My goals are to become a leader make everyone feel welcome and win states,” she said.
Before softball next season, be sure to check her out on the volleyball court this fall as the Spartans should have a contending team for a state berth.
“I am expecting a great team on and off the court. This team is and will always be my family. I love the girls a lot and especially Matt (Sauvage). He has made me a better volleyball player going from being a passer to a setter,” Hailey Ervin concluded.
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