Coupeville Sports

Veronica Crownover — a softball sensation and animal-lovin’ future veterinarian all wrapped into one.

Veronica Crownover has commitment.

The starting first baseman, and owner of a frequently booming bat, for a Central Whidbey Little League Juniors All-Star softball squad that went 18-2 this season, she first picked up the sport when she was eight.

And, unlike some of her friends, she has stayed loyal to the game.

“I started playing because when I was younger my best friend started playing little league and I went to practice with her because I was bored,” Crownover said. “I instantly fell in love with the sport and her mother was the coach, so she let me join the team.

“My best friend quit the next season while I continued playing little league.”

Despite being the second-youngest player on the 11-player Venom squad, Crownover, who will be an 8th grader at Coupeville Middle School in the fall, had a big impact.

Along with Katrina McGranahan and Sarah Wright, she anchored the middle of a murderer’s row batting order that won by 10 or more runs 17 times.

It’s not often you see a softball squad score 30+ runs in five innings, but Central Whidbey did just that this season.

When she was in the field, Crownover was a slick-fielding first baseman, but one who wouldn’t mind returning to the pitcher’s circle in the future.

“As a player my strengths are batting and fielding,” she said. “I feel like I am a very strong batter to contribute to our team and a very clean infielder.

“I would like to work on pitching because I have pitched the five years before this season,” Crownover added. “But this year the coaches needed me as an infielder.”

While the entire season was a success, as the Venom swept to a 15-0 regular season record before beating North Whidbey twice to win a district title, the state tourney holds a special place in Crownover’s heart.

“We were excited just to get the chance to compete at state,” she said. “When we eliminated Mercer Island/Bellevue East, that was unbelievable.

“Their team had the best of the best and was selected from five different teams,” Crownover added. “That was also a major confidence booster. Even though we lost at state, it was awesome that we eliminated a team at that level.”

A well-rounded student/athlete, she also plays volleyball and basketball for CMS, while riding horses and mountain bikes (“My father and I bike about 10 miles every other day for a hard workout”) in her spare time.

Away from the sports world, Crownover is a 4.0 student who enjoys science and math and plans to participate in ASB and History Day.

A fan of “Frozen” and “Finding Nemo,” she loves the song “Behind These Hazel Eyes” by Kelly Clarkson and wants to work with animals when she’s older.

“I want to be a veterinarian some day and take care of animals,” she said.

Through all of her activities, Crownover’s parents, Darren and Kelly, have been a constant, cheering her on and helping her grow.

“My parents have had a big impact on my life and have helped me become the person I am today,” Crownover said. “They have supported me through everything and taught me how to treat people and how to be socially active.

“This is important to me, because being social is a huge part of my personality,” she added. “As is being kind to people.”

Her kindness has been repaid this season, as the Venom were a close-knit squad, something Crownover greatly appreciated.

“I most enjoy being on a team that supports me and values my person because it makes me feel like an important part of our team.”