VYPE: What year are you, what sports do you play at Fairland, and are you involved with any other activities?
Alivia Bartley: I am a junior and will graduate in 2026. I play fastpitch softball, basketball, and slowpitch softball. I’m the vice president of Student Council, I’m in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and our school’s Gifted and Talented program.
VYPE: What was the experience like of playing at the state tournament last year?
AB: I was very excited for our team to make it there last year. People didn’t really expect it since we didn’t make it my freshman year. They made it my eighth grade year and I knew that one day I wanted to be there
VYPE: Are you more motivated to get back to state this year because of your experience last year?
AB: Yes, I’m very motivated. We have the same team as last year plus a few more, so we know what we can accomplish.
VYPE: Your team didn’t graduate any seniors — What are the advantages of having everybody back?
AB: Since we have the same team, we have the same strengths plus more because we have been allowed to grow more as a team and figure out each others’ abilities and weaknesses.
VYPE: What is the most difficult aspect of playing the catcher position?
AB: As a catcher, you have to be the leader of the field because you are the only one that can see the whole field at all times. You have to be able to pay attention to the smallest things and have to have confidence in your arm when trying to pick off runners. The mental part of it all is the toughest.
VYPE: What does being a leader mean to you?
AB: To me, a leader is someone you look up to, someone you follow or someone who inspires others to be their best.
VYPE: What’s an unforgettable piece of advice you’ve received from a teacher or coach?
AB: Don’t try to overdo it, don’t get upset over little things, don’t get in your head, don’t let that ruin your game, be yourself, never change.
VYPE: Which teammate, past or present, has had the greatest impact on you and why?
AB: My cousin Ally Bartley which was never my teammate but watching her catch helped me made me want to do it too and developed me into the catcher I am today
VYPE: What are your future plans and goals?
AB: I plan to continue my softball career at college and become a chiropractor and my goals are to succeed.
