By FRED KRONER
fred@mahometnews.com
Aubrie Shore is establishing herself as a strong softball player.
The Mahomet-Seymour athlete has tangible proof based on statistical data. With three weeks left in the season, Shore has already established a new single-season school home run record with 11.
She is also one of the top pitchers on the Bulldogs’ 9-7 team.
And, Shore is a freshman.
Her strength is a key reason why she blasted onto the high school scene in such a powerful way.
Shore is devoted to weight training.
“I started out with a strength and agility program with Adam Kesler when I was in the sixth grade,” Shore said.
She was there for about a year before switching to the Refinery, in Champaign, where she started “training with my friend, Colby Knapp.
“Colby taught me a lot about proper form and technique,” she added. “Now my dad (Jake) helps me write my workouts. I pretty much train year around.”
During the softball season, many of her workouts are done at the high school.
“I’ve been able to take advantage of having a P.E. conditioning class during my school day to get my workouts in,” Shore said. “I especially enjoy the yoga moves that Coach (Chad) Benedict has taught me.”
Few varsity freshmen make the immediate impact that Shore has at M-S. She owns a .500 batting average with 27 hits in her first 54 at-bats. In addition to her power at the plate, she has driven in 35 runs, one of the best totals in east-central Illinois.
Bulldog coach Lisa Ayers sees one prominent reason for the quick success.
“Her commitment to the gym has helped allow her to contribute immediately as a freshman,” Ayers said. “Her bat speed, her ability to throw so many pitches during a game, and her endurance are tangible results from time spent in the gym.
“There is no question that this has contributed to her success.”
Shore derives motivation from her early years in softball.
“When I first started playing softball I had a coach that didn’t believe in me,” Shore said. “I always batted eighth or ninth in the order and I was told I would never be a good third baseman.
“This drove me to put the time in and work my butt off. It was at that time that I developed my love and passion for the game.”
For years, it has been her primary sport. She also played youth soccer and “a little bit of flag football,” she said.
Her time on the gridiron was fleeting.
“My dad coached youth football when I was younger and I spent a lot of time watching the sport, which only made me want to play it,” Shore said. “But my mom wouldn’t let me, and I started playing softball.”
Ayers describes Shore as “a hard worker that helps her teammates, while leading by example.”
During the preseason, Ayers expected that Shore would be in the lineup.
“We anticipated that she would have a big impact as a pitcher, but the way she has contributed on the offensive side has been a nice surprise,” Ayers said. “As she builds her experience, my expectations for her will evolve into becoming a leader for our program.”
Shore set another school record with home runs in seven consecutive games.
Shore, who has played on an assortment of summer teams since she was 9 years old, was confident she could make an impact as a freshman.
“I thought I would be able to contribute right away because I am so motivated to see our program be successful, especially with the talent that we have on the team,” she said.
The team’s talent and depth has played a vital role in Shore’s performance. Because there are quality hitters before her and after her in the lineup, opponents wind up challenging Shore.
“With other great bats in the lineup, it makes it hard for pitchers to pitch around Aubrie,” Ayers said. “Allie Nofziger, Kam Brotherton and Ashley Wheeler are some others who have contributed.
“Having a deep lineup has challenged opposing pitchers, and has resulted in our offensive success.”
Shore said there is more credit to share than just with the batters in the lineup.
“I have great catchers on both my teams (high school and travel ball) that help me out by selling those pitches that an ump may be hesitant at first to call, and some great defensive players that back me up,” she said.
Not only has Shore set the M-S school single-season home run record, but the 2018 Bulldog squad has also shattered the team record for homers with 15.
When she steps into the batter’s box, Shore isn’t swinging for the fences.
“I’ve always been able to hit the ball hard,” she said. “I’m not really looking for home runs when I’m at the plate. I’m looking to hit hard lines drives, but sometimes the home runs just happen.”
Opposing coaches and pitchers aren’t the only ones taking notice of Shore. She has been to the University of Louisville twice on unofficial visits and, in January, took an unofficial visit to Michigan.
“Recruiting has been fun so far,” she said. “It’s humbling to know that the schools are interested in me as an athlete.”
NCAA rule changes were implemented in April that will limit contact with Shore — and other young prospects — during the next 17 months.
“I can no longer have contact with any of the schools that have shown interest in me until Sept. 1 of my junior year,” Shore said. “But they can still follow me and watch me play.”
She is fine with the developments.
“I’m all for this rule change as I don’t have to make an important decision too soon and I can continue to get better,” she said. I’m the youngest on my travel team (Peoria Sluggers 16u Gold) with most of the girls being sophomores or juniors already.
“I know I can still be seen by coaches as they come watch them. I’m also fortunate that my current travel ball coaches are former college coaches and players. They have really helped me step up my game and prepare me for the next steps.”
Summer is the off-season from high school competition, but not from softball. At least, not for Shore.
“Typically I play 60 to 80 games in the summer,” she said.
Knowing the effort she has put in is one reason why her mother, Amy Shore, enjoys watching the games.
“Aubrie is a very driven person and has set some very high goals for herself,” Amy Shore said.
“She is in her element when she takes the field and is a true competitor.
“Most people don’t know or understand the amount of time she puts in, whether it’s practicing or just conditioning to achieve some of those goals. To watch her take the field and have some outstanding moments feels pretty great.”
Shore tries to devote an equal amount of time to pitching and hitting.
“I work very hard at both aspects, but hitting has always come natural for me,” she said. “I love hitting because of the competition between me and the pitcher.
“I try to control the game to the best of my ability with my pitching. I like to set goals for myself, which then includes my team. Doing this helps drive me to be a good athlete and teammate. I’ve really tried to give lots of positivity to my teammates.”
In 61 2/3 innings in the circle this spring, she has struck out 51 batters while compiling a 3.18 earned run average.
Jake Shore said that being a fan in the stands is not necessarily a relaxing experience.
“I still get anxious when she’s hitting or pitching because I always want to see her succeed,” he said. “It’s always exciting and fun to watch, regardless of the outcome.”
