This season is like an entirely new ballgame for Zion-Benton’s Sam White.
The junior shortstop didn’t have surgery in the offseason, a first for her in high school. In fact, White’s injury history is an extensive one.
“The injuries have really upset me because I’ve had so many starting when I was 12 and had major knee surgery,” she said.
White had surgery on her throwing arm for elbow and shoulder injuries in each of the previous two offseasons. She also suffered a stress fracture in her back last summer but didn’t need surgery.
White joked that she hasn’t played any other sports at Zion-Benton because “I probably would get injured.” But she proudly pointed out that when the season starts, she’s ready to play.
“I still never missed any games because of all my injuries,” she said. “I learned to push through it. I wanted to keep improving and not let a setback end everything.”
Indeed, White has become a highly productive player for the Zee-Bees. A third-year starter, White is batting .400 with a .480 on-base percentage and six RBIs, and she has an .889 fielding percentage.
White knows how to rise to the occasion too. She went 3-for-3 at the plate and handled all of her chances at shortstop during Zion-Benton’s North Suburban Conference loss to first-place Warren on Monday.
“She hit the ball really well and also showcased incredible defensive skills at shortstop against Warren,” Zion-Benton coach Tina Meyer said. “Balls were hit all over the field, but Sam was everywhere making play after play. She finished the game with a flawless defensive performance.”
White and Meyer both said that was one of the best all-around games White has played for the Zee-Bees.
“The Warren game was really fun,” White said. “I was able to really hit well and keep my mindset strong even with two strikes to help the team. I was able to get a lot of diving plays at short. I definitely was more confident in that game.”
Meyer said White is even more valuable to the team than her production suggests.
“She consistently gives 110% effort day in and day out,” Meyer said. “Her primary position is shortstop, but she’s always willing to step into any role the team needs without hesitation. Her versatility makes her a valuable asset on the field.
“Beyond her skills, Sam is someone we can always count on to be one of the first to arrive and be ready to help out in any way she can. Her dedication truly sets her apart.”
Zion-Benton junior pitcher/third baseman Ashlyn Totsch also noted White’s nonstop motor.
“Sam always goes for the ball, no matter where it is,” Totsch said. “She consistently puts her best foot forward at shortstop and doesn’t let errors get in the way of making the next play. On the bases, she is fast and smart and takes advantage of any mistakes the defense makes.”
Zion-Benton senior center fielder Sidney Carlson said White is a caring teammate too.
“Sam has a great way of making people feel confident in themselves and supported,” Carlson said.
White, who said she has a 4.58 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders of America, also coaches one of Zion-Benton’s feeder teams.
“I really enjoy feeder because there’s a lot of different personalities,” she said. “It’s a very different environment. I also like doing a lot of community service hours. I like to keep busy.”
White is determined to keep playing too.
“I always try to give my full effort on the field, push myself and not worry about injuries,” she said. “I’m still going to give 100% effort.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
