Spring sports senior profiles, an ongoing series

With the spring sports season in question, we here at the Coalfield Progress/Dickenson Star/Big Stone Gap Post hope to run a profile on each and every senior in the paper. Our intention is to give them and their families something to feel happy about in a time of such uncertainty. This will be an ongoing series with different students featured each week.

Ridgeview track and softball’s Camdyn Sykes

Camdyn Sykes, 17, is very active in sports and activities at Ridgeview. She plays basketball, softball and runs track while also being a member of the Beta Club, Key Club and National Honor Society.

Sports have been a huge part of Sykes’ life as early as pre-kindergarten. She played travel softball from ages 10 to 14, but then decided to devote her summers to basketball camps. She even played football in her younger years.

Despite her deep-seated love of sports, Sykes has opted not to continue playing through college. Instead, she wants to focus on getting her first two years completed at Southwest Virginia Community College. Then, she plans on transferring to the Appalachian College of Pharmacy.

Sykes describes being “heartbroken” as an “understatement” upon finding out her senior year was over.

“If I had known that my last day of high school would actually be my last, I would have cherished each moment a lot more than I did,” Sykes said. “I realized that I may never get to experience my senior prom. I would not get to have a senior picnic with my friends, and I would not be able to go on the senior trip that I looked forward to all year long. Most importantly, I realized that I may never walk in front of my friends and family at graduation to receive the diploma I had worked so hard for.“

In knowing that the spring sports season hangs in the balance, Sykes looks to her faith to keep her grounded.

“The first thoughts I had when I heard my senior year was over were about how I may never step onto the softball field as a player again or push off the blocks to begin the 4x100 relay for my track team again... Although it is hard to accept the shortcoming of what was supposed to be the best year of my life so far, I try to stay positive on the matter. Knowing that God has a purpose in this and a greater plan for me along with every other senior gives me hope that things will get better for us.”

To her teammates, Sykes sends words of adoration and the importance of trying your best: “I will miss you all more than anything. I suggest that you all cherish each moment of your high school career like it is your last because you never know when it might be. Each time you step onto the court, never hesitate to take an open shot. Each time you step onto the field, dive for every ground ball that comes your way. Each time you step onto the track, give your best effort. If you do these things, you will never have any regrets because you know that you gave it your all. Believe me, you never know when your last chance may be.”

Ridgeview softball’s LonnieJo “LJ” Swiney

LJ Swiney spent the largest part of her 17 years playing either soccer or softball. She would often go directly from a soccer pitch to a softball field for practices and games. But when she entered high school, Swiney decided to devote her athletic effort to softball. During basketball season, Swiney has also been the Wolfpack mascot, Alpha, since her sophomore year.

Swiney fell in love with softball at nine years old when she started catching for former Ridgeview and current King University pitcher, Nikole Counts. She has played a lot of travel softball, but loves the constant challenge she finds in high school softball.

“I have played travel ball year round, but nothing is like playing softball in the Mountain 7,” Swiney said.

Swiney will continue her academic and softball careers having signed with Southwest Virginia Community College. She intends to transfer to Virginia Tech after two years and earn her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering.

Swiney describes the experience of losing her senior year as “humbling”.

“It seemed as if my world just came to a halt. Knowing that Friday March 13th was the last day I’ll walk down the halls and throughout Ridgeview humbled me in a way. It showed me to take pride in everything I do and realize that truly anything can happen,” Swiney said.

However, Swiney is still holding onto hope to get to finish out her senior year as a member of the Lady Wolfpack softball team.

“Knowing there’s still a chance that I may walk out on the field and play another game with my friends keeps me going,” Swiney said. “Some seniors have had some things taken away from them but I speak for the class of 2020 when I say ‘we really took one for the team.’”

To her teammates, Swiney says, “We may not understand why things happen, but all I can tell you guys is enjoy this time to focus on yourself. Put in all the work you can on your game, from fundamentals to the little things in your swing.”

Swiney’s message to her fellow seniors is one of appreciation and love.

“To my fellow seniors I love you all and I’m thankful for all the years of softball and especially the memories that will last a lifetime.”

Ridgeview softball’s Shae Sutherland

Eighteen-year-old Shae Sutherland has been involved in softball and basketball for as long as she can remember.

She will be majoring in criminal justice at Southwest Virginia Community College and hopes to continue playing basketball.

Sutherland says that the thought of not being able to play her senior year of softball has shattered her heart.

“Not getting another chance to play or practice with any of my friends is a tough thing to comprehend,” Sutherland said. “I can remember walking down the hallway with some friends that Friday (March 13th, the final day of school) and not knowing it would ever be the last time I walked with them. My heart is broken.”

Sutherland’s message to her teammates is to slow down and focus.

“Don’t wish your high school years will fly by because one day, you’ll miss it. Enjoy every single moment of practice and games,” Sutherland said.