Betak’s Walk-Off Homer Earns Her County Athlete of the Week Honors

Flatonia softball player Laurel Betak has some pop in her bat that can make a difference in a ballgame. In a recent match against Schulenburg, Betak launched a walk-off homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to score three runs and snag an 11-9 victory. “Laurel Betak is a solid ball player,” said Flatonia head softball coach Shawn Bruns. “She plays the game right. She has played a lot of ball in her life, whether it’s high school ball or select ball. She knows the game. For Laurel to be in that position the other night, a lot of things have to happen and those things happened.

“That made her in position to be a hero and she did a great job of seeing her pitch and hitting it.”

Betak’s clutch performance has landed her a nomination for this edition’s Athlete of the Week.

Question: What was your mindset during the at-bat of the walk-off?

Answer: “Brianna, I would give all props to her. She’s an amazing pitcher. She struck me out twice before I was up to bat, so I was just hoping to hit the ball. When I saw it was over, I was filled with joy. I didn’t expect that.”

Question: What’s your specialty on the softball diamond?

Answer: “I think my specialty is I try to provide leadership qualities. If someone’s down, I try to pick them up. I think I do a good job with that.”

Question: How do sports impact your life?

Answer: “It always keeps me on the go. I really don’t know what I would do without sports. It always gives me something to look forward to.”

Question: Who’s a person that can make you laugh?

Answer: “Annie, my pitcher. She can put a smile on my face.”

Question: Where’s your favorite place to go hang out?

Answer: “My bed. I’m very much a room person. I like to stay in my room.”

Question: What’s something you’ve always wanted to accomplish?

Answer: “A home run over the fence. That’s been my goal.”

Question: Who’s an actor or actress that you like and why do you like him or her?

Answer: “Probably Sandra Bullock. Her performances are just always ‘A’ game. She always is on top of it.”

Question: What’s your routine on game day?

Answer: “After school, we normally have to be here at four. So after school I change, I come, and I just get my mindset ready.”

Question: Where do you see yourself after high school?

Answer: “My dream is to go to LSU, but we’ll see where everything takes me.”

Question: How would you describe the town of Flatonia?

Answer: “The community here is a bond like no other. Everyone knows everyone. It’s good to have people you can rely on.”

Betak provides a spark on the diamond that is a force to be reckoned with.