Student: Sarah Flippin
Year in School: Senior
Plans After High School: Sarah plans to attend Santa Monica Community College and study kinesiology with aspirations of becoming a sports trainer.
GPS Focus: GROWTH & PRIDE
What Makes Sarah #BulldogSTRONG: For the great softball player, lasting success is not about being perfect. It’s about getting better and improving as hard work and discipline often get rewarded. Softball is a game that requires hard work, to make the investment necessary week in and week out to become an elite player. It requires pain and sacrifice including getting up early and home late for tournaments. To be the best requires a phenomenal work ethic. At Golden Valley High School, Senior Sarah Flippin embodies all the characteristics of a great softball player as she has emerged as one of the reliable leaders for the Lady Bulldogs. Sarah started playing softball in 6th grade at Ollivier Middle School and for the past seven years, she has not stopped. At GVHS, Sarah quickly became known for her athleticism and speed in the outfield where she is able to track down some of the more difficult hits that come her way. Last season as a junior, Sarah had an impressive .302 batting average with 13 hits and 12 RBIs and as an outfielder, had a .923 fielding percentage with only one error. This year, Sarah has continued her impressive play in the outfield where through ten games she has posted a 1.000 fielding percentage with no errors - she has been perfect. Essentially if the ball is hit in the outfield, Sarah is going to catch it.
Beyond the stats and abilities that Sarah has on the diamond, it has been her exceptional leadership that has made her the successful softball player for the Lady Bulldogs. “As a Senior I hope to be a big role model to the girls who have a couple years left playing high school softball,” Sarah humbly comments. If it means bringing energy and hustle with every drill at practice, Sarah is counted on by her teammates and coaches to be that spark plug. If it means encouraging and supporting others to give it their best effort on a daily basis, Sarah can be counted on to do that as well. If it means remaining positive and competing through any adversity or obstacle that comes along, Sarah sets the example for her teammates to follow. “Sarah is continually working to improve her skills through hard work and commitment,” comments Head Coach Kaitlyn Toerner, “She is a reliable upperclassmen that coaching staff can count on to set the example.” Sarah is also quick to recognize her coaches and teammates as influential in her development as a Lady Bulldog. “With both Coach Toerners coaching us, the softball program has improved tremendously over the years,” graciously states Sarah, “They push their players to play their best every game. As teammates, we push each other to be better. The most memorable moment about softball is being close with my teammates because every practice and game has become meaningful.” For the hard work, commitment, discipline, and exemplary leadership that she brings to the diamonds on a daily basis for the Lady Bulldogs Softball program, Sarah Flippin is #BulldogSTRONG.
What #BulldogSTRONG Means to Sarah: "#BulldogSTRONG means to have respect for yourself and the others around you. Inside and outside of school you should be on your best behavior.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Sarah:
“Sarah exemplifies BulldogSTRONG through her commitment to growth, pride, and service. Sarah is continually working to improve her skills through hard work and commitment. She is a reliable upperclassmen the coaching staff can count on to set an example.” Kaitlin Toerner, Head Softball Coach, Golden Valley High School
“Sarah has grown so much over the last few years on both the Softball field and in the classroom. I can tell when I stop by practice and games that she is one of the team leaders and the coach depends on her a lot. Sarah is a big part of the success of our Softball team.” Robert Haskell, Athletic Director, Golden Valley High School
“I had Sarah for Advanced Algebra last year. She was a great student. She always completes her work nice and neat and on time, and she doesn’t hesitate to ask questions to get help. But what I am most proud of her for is her willingness to help others. I encourage all students to help each other by explaining the concept to each other, she did this all throughout the year without having to be prompted. I am very proud of her as my student and most importantly for being Bulldog Strong!” Jason Goad, Math Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“First of all, I admire Sarah, it is not easy to keep up your grades and play a spring sport that is as demanding as softball. Sarah works hard at her assignments and is always a willing participant in class. She always has a smile on her face and is quick to laugh. Sarah is also always willing to help classmates and is always extremely kind. Sarah definitely deserves this recognition.” Cameron Hertzog, Government and Economics Teacher, Golden Valley High School
“Sarah is hard-working, polite and conscientious. A joy to have in class.” Mike Larson, AP Psychology Teacher, Golden Valley High School