Bella Northup
Northup flings nasty heat while pitching for the Venom during the state softball tourney in Shoreline. (John Fisken photo)
Bella Northup is loud and proud.
The #1 pitcher for a Central Whidbey Little League Juniors All-Star squad that went 18-2, winning 17 games by ten runs or more, Northup was dynamite in the pitching circle, throwing nasty heat.
But equally important was her ability to rally her teammates.
“I think something I have a strength for is staying loud and keeping the team up,” Northup said. “I always raise the energy best I can, so no one lowers their head during a game.
“I also think while I am pitching I can keep my head very clear; being the middle child of five, I learned to block things out!,” she said with a laugh.
Northup, who tossed a one-hit, nine-strikeout gem in a 4-1 win against Mercer Island at the state tournament, could have been an outsider for the Venom.
She’s the only South Whidbey player on a team otherwise made up of Coupeville student/athletes.
But that was never the case for the outgoing Northup, who will be a freshman in the fall. She felt welcomed from the start and was thrilled with her experience, despite the travel.
“This whole season I’ve spent driving from South Whidbey to Coupeville for practices and games has never been more worth it,” Northup said. “These girls I’ve played with have made me feel welcome and part of a team. They all make me smile and I created strong friendships.”
While winning the district title — after thumping North Whidbey twice on the CHS field — and making a run at state (“the whole weekend was unforgettable with those girls”) were big highlights for her, the smaller moments had just as much of an impact for Northup.
“I enjoy the team bonding; I love working with others to help one another and learn the best way to succeed and improve,” she said. “I really enjoyed the game with thunder, lightning, golf ball-sized hail and the team huddled in the dugout with blankets and fruit snacks.”
Already a veteran on the softball diamond — she’s in her eighth season — Northup got her love of the game from her dad.
“My father grew up playing and taught me the ways of the game,” she said. “I instantly fell in love with it!”
While many of her Venom teammates will reunite as CHS players, Northup will trade in neon green for the blue and white of the Falcons … unless someone can convince her family to uproot themselves and move to Cow Town.
Wherever she plays, she plans to stay on the diamond for quite some time.
“This game is my life and I plan to move forward playing and learning more of the game,” Northup said. “Hopefully getting a scholarship to Santa Barbara, California or another college, to play for them.”
Softball is not her only sport, as she also plays volleyball and has been on a swim team since she was five.
A strong student (“LOVE MATH! Love school, and outdoor activities; I am also creative in art and writing”), Northup benefits greatly from having a well-balanced support group consisting of family, friends, coaches and teachers.
“First of all my parents — my mother has always taught me care and fairness on how everyone is equal and you can never lose if you work your hardest,” Northup said. “My father teaches me more and more every day; he is so smart about everything! He understands all sports and people, and he is a multitasking genius!
“Last, but certainly not least, my English and social studies teacher last year at Langley Middle School, Mr. Bergquist, taught me to always stay calm and give a positive vibe.”
Along with her father, the biggest influence on her growth as a softball player has come from a pitching coach who she will join on a full-time basis at the high school level next season.
“I also want to give a shout out to my teacher and coach Tim Collins, he always pushes me to my best,” Northup said. “I first met him at age nine, and he now coaches the girls softball team at South Whidbey High School, so I really look forward to playing for him next year.
“Go, Falcons!”
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