Melissa Otto will celebrate her birthday playing ball on the prairie today. (John Fisken photos)
Otto takes a cut during practice.
Melissa Otto is a star.
Now, she hasn’t hit a game-winning home run or pitched a shutout on the softball diamond (yet), so how I can say that?
It’s because Otto, who celebrates her birthday today on the same day her Wolf squad hosts Port Townsend (4 PM), is one of those young women who impress you every day.
She’s fairly new to the game, and playing for a team chock-full of players who are life-long softball vets, which has limited her playing time so far, but Melissa does everything the right way.
Otto is always right in the thick of things on the bench, a loyal, vocal supporter of her teammates.
When her coaches talk to the team, you see her eyes locked on them.
She’s listening, learning, and approaches the game with an eagerness that is nice to see.
I have no doubt she will seize any opportunity given her, and when she does, Otto will more than deserve it.
So, as she celebrates her cake day today, I just want to say two things.
One, happy birthday, Melissa (and PS, your day falls between my mom’s on Apr. 28 and mine on Apr. 30, so you picked your arrival day well).
And two, I hope you know that people on the outside notice how you handle yourself, and that you make fans of your team proud.
I look forward to watching you continue your journey, as an athlete and as a vital part of Wolf Nation.
Coupeville Sports 