The Olympian's high school Athletes of the Week

• Published April 05, 2007

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ANNALEISHA PARSLEY

Timberline fastpitch

Age: 17

Year: Junior

Family: Mom, Carol; dad, Steve; older brother, Spenser.

Other sports: Competitive fastpitch

Grew up in: Lacey

Last week: She had a total of 27 strikeouts and gave up only five hits in three Timberline wins last week as the Blazers improved to 3-0 in the Class 3A Western Cascade Conference and 6-2 overall. She also pitched a no-hitter and hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning of a 2-0 win over North Mason on March 16. After Tuesday, the Blazers are 5-0, 7-2 overall.

About last week: "Our games went really well. We did well. Our season has gone well. It feels really good (getting strikeouts), because I know when I'm striking someone out, it's helping my team. They don't have to make as many plays. So I'm helping myself and them as well."

From Timberline coach Ken Carey: "It was a very good week. It's fun to be riding the momentum. We still have some tough teams to face, like Capital. I'm very excited, because she's very confident on the pitching mound. The whole mood of the game changes when she's out there."

What do you do to prepare for a game? "I think of the team we're going to play, if I know anything about the hitters or pitcher. I prepare what pitches I can throw and how I can get them out."

Who is someone, living or dead, you might like to meet? "I would really like to meet Jennie Finch, who is on the USA softball Olympic team. She has gone through a lot. She's made it to highest level in fastpitch, and she's seen so many styles of play."

How do you think the Mariners will do this year? "I don't know how well they're going to do, but I hope they do well. I'm a big supporter. I'm really hoping they have a good year. Hopefully it'll be better than last year. It can't be too much worse. I've been to a few games. I really enjoy the new stadium. I think it's neat going there and seeing so many people supporting them."

What are you doing for spring break? "I'm going to be going camping, take some time off from fastpitch. I'm going with some friends from school. We're going to camp at the lake. I'll take some time off and recoup."

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