Sports

PAGE 8 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM Pettigrew finds passion for ministry, leadership

BY LANGLEY LEVERETT

Arts & Entertainment/Opinions Editor

Beneath the busy schedule of her softball practices, social club meetings and academic pursuits is a love for connecting with people. Encouraging others and building a positive atmosphere is Lacey Pettigrew’s number one priority, whether it’s on or off of the field.

Pettigrew is from Bentonville and is a sophomore Christian studies major with an emphasis in biblical languages and theology. She is involved in Chi Delta, the Pruett Sisterhood, the Carl Goodson Honors program and, as of last August, she plays softball for Ouachita.

Pettigrew played softball all four years of high school but decided to take a break once she came to college. After a year of missing the sport, she sent an email to OBU’s head coach at the time, requesting a spot on the team. Pettigrew received a positive response and was able to join the team.

“I wasn’t recruited in high school, so I naturally assumed that my time as a softball player was over. I knew I wasn’t going to go pro,” Pettigrew said. “I really missed being part of a team, and I wanted to get back into it. I just got lucky, plain and simple. A week before I came to Ouachita for my second year, I got added to the softball group chat.”

Although Pettigrew was new to softball at Ouachita, the team had experienced a rough season in 2020. On top of the disruption from COVID-19, the athletics department hired new head and assistant softball coaches. However, Pettigrew was still excited to reconnect with a team.

“I missed the team aspect. I was excited to get back into that. I thought, ‘Even if I don’t get to play here, I know my role on the team, and I’m going to do my best to achieve that goal,’” Pettigrew said. “Last season was a hard season. Coming in, I had heard what had happened, but I hadn’t experienced it. So I still had this feeling of renewal. Getting a new coach helped others to join in on that excitement, like ‘Hey, we really have a chance

Sophomore softball player Lacey Pettigrew spends time in the dugout at the softball field. Pettigrew joined the team in August 2020 and has found joy in connecting with and encouraging all of her new teammates this year. (photo by William Read)

of being a new team.’”

In Pettigrew’s eyes, the team has undergone tremendous growth since Head Coach Derrick Grimes joined the team and initiated a new practice style. The Tigers still have one series left this season, and they’ve already clinched a spot in the championship.

“It’s just amazing to see that growth in such a short time. Me and Coach Grimes were reflecting on it the other day, and he was like,‘Y’all couldn’t catch any balls, now ya’ll don’t let a ball drop,’’ Pettigrew said. “It’s definitely paid off; we can keep up with that fast pace now.”

Winning the series against Oklahoma Baptist University is a defining moment from this season for Pettigrew. Moments like this not only encouraged the team to keep pushing hard, but it also affirmed that their hard work was producing fruit. Pettigrew didn’t get to play much in high school, but she has had more playing time in college.

“Seeing that excitement fuelled us a lot more. Personally, I’ve grown a lot more. I’ve worked on things that I knew needed work, I’ve fixed things that I didn’t know needed work,” Pettigrew said. “I feel a lot more confident in myself, and I feel like I can help my team in more than just cheering, if I get put in that situation.”

Coming to Ouachita was a nerve-racking choice for Pettigrew, but after taking a few core Bible classes, she discovered a passion for ministry. Being part of a team and many other social organizations has helped guide her into realizing her future vocation.

“I just want to live up my experience here. Trying to choose a college can be so confusing and anxiety ridden,” Pettigrew said. “But I don’t think there’s a better school I could’ve gone to than Ouachita to pursue a career in Christian studies. I would like to pastor. I want to be teaching lessons, speaking and counseling people.”

Sports and studying theology has uncovered and enhanced Pettigrew’s passion, which is leadership. Playing softball has taught her the value of support, encouragement and genuine compassion.

“I value leadership, and I think leadership takes a lot of different forms. There’s a lot more leading on the sidelines, or like in softball, leading from the bench,” Pettigrew said. “You better believe I’m giving everything I got to scream as loud as I can, and for as long as I can, to hype them up to play to the best of their ability.”