Sports Spotlight — West Orange Observer: Carly Bunnell

Following a stellar Little League season, Carly Bunnell is currently making a run to the Little League state tournament with the Windermere Little League 12U team. When she’s not on the softball field, she enjoys swimming and hanging out with her friends.

How did you first get into softball?

It was spring of fourth grade and I started because my brother was playing baseball when he was really little. I was really annoyed because I had to watch every single game, and I was like, “You know what? I’m going to try this out.” That’s how I got started.

What’s your favorite thing about playing softball?

It’s just a really fun sport with my friends, and when I do good it just feels good.

What is the most challenging aspect?

When you mess up, you don’t have a chance to go back to it. If you strike out you probably have 45 minutes waiting before you can do something again. 

What’s some of the best advice you’ve been given when it comes to playing softball?

“You have to pay before you play.” You have to work at it to get a position on the team, and if you practice hard you get a spot.

Going into All-Star season, do you have anything you want to work on?

Probably diving. We practiced yesterday and I almost broke myself. And probably finding the bag, because some times I have to play first base — which is hard because it’s not my position. I have to get used to finding the bag and stretching it out.

You just made the basketball team at school — is there anything you can take from the court and use in softball?

In basketball you have to have agility and stuff, so that helps with moving back and forth to get to the ball.

How do you prepare for a game?

You have to get a good night’s sleep, then in the morning you have to eat a good breakfast and hydrate because it’s really hot.

Is softball something you’d like to do at the next level?

Yeah, I mean if I can make it that would be great. If I keep working, hopefully I’ll make it.

When you’re not on the softball diamond, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I’m in the National Honor Society, so I go out and get hours with my group of people. I sometimes go swimming and I hang out with my friends. I also walk my dog — he’s fun. But softball is virtually my life.

What’s your perfect post-game meal?

Probably like a salad — I like Caesar salad, that’s really good — or pasta. After a game I’m not really hungry until a couple of hours after. After a game I’m really focused and I don’t really think about food until I’m actually hungry.