Abby Curtis Senior Spotlight
Aspiring TikTok star and textbook student athlete Abby Curtis has wrapped up an impressive golf season and will now dig in to prepare for a championship caliber softball season.
Curtis competed for the opportunity to represent the Wildcats at the Girls Golf Sectionals competition earlier this fall.
“The best part about this past golf season was making it to sectionals as an individual golfer. It was a really exciting experience that I will remember for the rest of my life” Curtis said. “However, I couldn’t have done it without my golf besties who have always been there to cheer me on.”
Curtis admits she wasn’t the sole reason for her success; she humbly attributes her athletic success to her father. From a young age, her dad has been a prominent coach and mentor.
“My dad has always been at every one of my games cheering me on no matter how I am playing. Additionally, he has always pushed me to be the best athlete I can be,” she said. “I certainly wouldn’t be the athlete I am without him teaching me the tricks of the trade, whether it be my throwing partner or playing golf against me.”
Sophomore softball teammate Braelee Jodarski commends Abby’s natural leadership on the team.
“Abby contributes to the team culture by being a leader and always having everyone’s backs no matter if we’re winning or losing,” Jodarski said. “Her leadership and talent make us a stronger and tougher team.”
Considering how physically demanding sports are, the necessity of a healthy food source is very apparent. Contrary to popular opinion, Curtis endorses school lunches as an important fuel to her performance.
“Some of my favorite foods are the breaded chicken patties and pizza from school lunch,” she said..
This year, the team will take all the fuel it can get as they chase down a state championship. Jodarski admires Abby’s dedication to the sport, as she is embraced on the varsity softball team.
“She's one of the best players and when you need a big play she’s always the one to do it. You can always count on Abby,” Jodarski said. “Abby is extremely dedicated. She's constantly putting in work in the off-season, as well as doing things outside of practice during the season.”
While individual accolades are nice, Curtis is way more focused on the team.
“My goal is to make it to state with my team,” she said. “We’ve gotten close for a couple years now, and I think that this year our team is capable of going all the way.”
Jodarski credits Abby’s mindset to the overall success of the team.
“Abby faces any situation with a good attitude and positive mentality, and never takes herself or the team out of the game,” she said. “She makes being on the field even more enjoyable for everyone, especially when you aren’t having your best game.”
Similar to golf, Curtis acknowledges the softball team as a large source of positive influence and friendship.
“Our team does everything together. We all have such a great bond and I wouldn’t have accomplished any of my goals without them playing along with me” she said. “No matter if we win or lose I am glad I get to play with some of my best friends. From going to team dinners, to the homecoming parade, or even adventuring on silly little Walmart runs, I truly couldn’t have asked for a better group of people.”
Jodarski agrees that the team culture is a large part of what makes the sport enjoyable. She also mentions that Abby is a large contributor to the tight bond.
“Abby is always having a good time. Whether it’s on or off the field, Abby is always making everyone’s day better,” she said. “One of my favorite memories with the team would definitely be the pregame and getting pumped up before we take the field.”
Senior softball teammate Brie Kitchen recognizes Abby’s personality as a significant factor into the team’s connection.
“Abby’s high energy personality brings a lot to the atmosphere and overall culture of the team,” she said. “Abby is quick to pull a joke to make someone laugh, especially a teammate who may be having a rough day.”
Looking back on not only the last four years, but through a bigger lens through her life, Abby contemplates her evolution as a softball player and mentor.
“What inspires me the most is knowing that I can be someone that little girls can look up to, just as I always looked up to and aspired to be like the older softball players when I was younger,” she said.
If she could go back in time, Curtis would advise her younger self to get involved, find her passion and never stop working toward it. Regrets are just a waste of time.
“Always be yourself, and have fun! You only have so many years to be a kid. Go to dances, make new friends and try new clubs,” she said. “Don’t let anyone try to stop you from pursuing your passions.”
Looking to the future, Curtis plans to continue her education, as well as her life-long passions of sports on the next level.
“I plan on playing softball at Carroll University,” she said. “I tentatively plan to study business management, or some sort of business degree.”
Abby’s contributions to not only athletics, but the overall student body make her an outstanding individual whose mark will be long remembered.
“She is always smiling, which carries into the way she naturally leads others,” Kitchen said . “The team and the student body wouldn’t be the same without her.”
By John Vanden Heuvel
Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 2
November 1st, 2021