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Prior Lake's Libby Bingham must have planned state softball appearance

By Star Tribune, 06/11/13, 6:41PM CDT

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Libby Bingham

Prior Lake senior shortstop Libby Bingham had an emotional end to her high school softball playing career last week. She helped the Lakers to a runner-up finish in the Class 3A state tournament.

“I live for my team,” Bingham said. “The championship game was a tough one for me (a 4-3 loss to Elk River in eight innings). It was tears of joy, and tears of sadness. We could have won that game, but it was really an incredible experience.”

Here is a closer look at Bingham, who also ran cross-country and was a Nordic skier for the Lakers:

The best movie I’ve seen in the last year? “42” was by far the best movie I have seen in the past year. It showed how much Jackie Robinson loved the game of baseball, kind a like how I love the game of softball. It was relatable, and phenomenal acting.

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me? Energetic; emotional; driven.

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are … “Wild Ones” by Flo Rida; “When She Says Baby” by Jason Aldean; “Rock Me” by One Direction.

What are your three favorite apps? Twitter; Instagram; Tetris.

Who do you like to follow the most on Twitter, and why? I really like to follow Katie Sickmann (a teammate) because she always tweets the funniest stuff.

How did you get started playing softball? When my mom passed away in 2001, my dad looked to sports and activities to keep me occupied. Then I tied up my cleats and fell in love with the game of softball.

At my first varsity practice, I felt … like everyone was watching and judging my skills, but then I fit right in and had a blast.

What were your goals prior to the start of the softball season? I really wanted to be the best role model I could be for the younger players. I also wanted to go to the “Big Dance” —also known as the state tournament — and we did it.

What is your favorite meal before a game? Spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread and a cold glass of milk.

To get focused for a game, I …remember how hard I worked in the offseason, while listening to some country music.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? Two words: A planner. I write everything in my planner to make sure that I know when every assignment is due and when every test is. I also manage my time very well.

If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be? I would change having lacrosse and softball in the same season. I would love to try and play lacrosse. My best friend plays lacrosse, and I would do anything to play with her.

When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do? When I am on vacation by an ocean, I love going surfing. It makes me feel so alive and free.

In 10 years, I hope I’m … teaching in an elementary school, and coaching the game I love (softball).

What is the best sports advice you ever received? The best sports advice I have ever received was from my “Softball Dad” (Gary Lattery). He always says “the little things win games” and “if you’re standing around, find something to do.”

RON HAGGSTROM

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