Lady Lion Reunion

Ashley Goodwin Pearson coordinated a Lady Lion reunion for the ladies that played for Myra Miles. We all met at Kristi Parson Ward's house and had a blast! I can honestly say that some of my fondest high school memories were made with this bunch of ladies. We spent so much time together at practice, games, tournaments, etc... that my high school years would have been much different if I hadn't played sports.

Myra came to Haleyville in the fall of 1984 and started the softball program in the Spring of 1985. Here is the team picture from 1985.

I played softball during my 8th grade year (1987) and we were the Class 3A-4A Slow pitch State Champions. It was an amazing accomplishment that I am proud to have been a part of it all. Here is our team picture from that year.

In addition to the softball championship, basically the same group of athletes played volleyball where the Lady Lions also won a State Championship in the Fall of 1987. After 1987, the volleyball team was state runner-up for the next 3 years.

It was always pretty funny to step off the bus at other schools and have the opposing teams think we were the cheerleaders because everyone had their hair fixed and most also had on make-up. They were usually surprised when a bunch of "pretty" Ladies got down and dirty and usually beat the crap out of them. We weren't afraid to hit the dirt or court - my hips still hurt just thinking about volleyball season :) and I still have strawberry scars on my legs/arms as proof of all the sliding/diving in softball! Those are battle scars that I am very proud of.

Here are some pictures of what we look like as adults. It is funny that even thought we have gotten older when I think of each of these ladies I still picture the majority with ball caps and braids!

Group Shot: Melissa, Crystal, Kathy, Ashley, Michelle, Beth, Jackie, Brooke, Shea, Tara, Kristi, Melani, Kristy, Mara, Stephanie, Alex

Group shot plus Sandra Miller and Terry Butler who were our assistant coaches!

Seniors 1989

Tara, Shea, Myra, Alex, Melani, Kristi

Alex, Myra, Shea

Myra, Melissa, Crystal, Jackie, Beth

Beth, Stephanie, Me

Kristy, Alex, Stephanie

Kathy and Ashley

Kristi and Kristy

Shea and Alex

Kathy and Kristy

Me and Stephanie

Myra and Shea

Kathy and Tara

Friendships that were formed on the field and the court are indeed special. I can honestly say that until this reunion, I haven't spent quality time with most of these ladies in 20 years. Even though the time has passed it felt just like we were stepping off the bus and getting ready to get our butts down and our gloves up! The closeness that teammates share is often indescribable and I am thankful that I got to be a part of it all!