Athlete of the Week: Leighton Bennett, West Orange Girls Club

West Orange Girls Club’s Leighton Bennett already is showing she has a bright future ahead of her in her softball career. The 7-year-old, who plays on the WOGC 8U Tailgaters, recorded two home runs and helped lead her team to the 15-7 win over the Sorrento team Monday, March 16. 

“It truly felt like a moment where her consistent hard work came full circle,” her mom Jessica Bennett said about her two home runs. “She is always putting in extra time at home, focused on improving her hitting and striving to be better in the field. Even during the off-season, she wanted to do additional training at D1 Training to build strength and speed to enhance her performance for softball.”

Leighton Bennett has been playing softball for only two years, but ever since she advanced to the 8U level, she has shown incredible growth. Bennett has grown in her softball IQ, such as learning where to place the ball, and has become able to adapt to different positions on the field, Jessica Bennett said. 

Her development has come from the West Orange Girls Club’s dedication to teaching young softball players how to tackle the game. The coaches invest their time and energy into all of the girls, which has created skill development as well as love for the sport. Jessica Bennett said the club has helped Leighton to want to continue with softball and work hard to become the best player she can be. 

What do you enjoy most about softball? 

Being part of a team.

When did you start softball and why did you join? 

At 5 years old because I wanted to try something new.  

What’s your biggest accomplishment in softball? 

Getting two home runs in a game. 

What has softball taught you? 

To get the ball quickly in and trust your team.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

Helpful.

What advice would you give someone who just joined softball? 

I would tell them, “You can do this.”

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

It doesn’t matter if we win or lose, just play with your heart.

What’s your pre-game ritual?

I always make sure I have a ball in my glove in my bat bag the night before for good luck. 

If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why? 

Volleyball because I like to jump.

Who do you look up to the most? 

My teammate Isabella because she hits good and plays smart.

What’s something new you’d like to learn? 

Pitching.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida? 

Wisconsin because I love snow. 

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money? 

I’d donate it to charities.

What’s your favorite holiday? Why? 

Thanksgiving because I get to spend time with family. 

What future career do you want to have? 

Veterinarian.

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

Softball.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? 

Honey badger because they’re fast and don’t give up. 

What’s your perfect day? 

Paint rocks with my family, volunteer at the pound, adopt a dog and eat a really good steak dinner.

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables? Why? 

Fruit because a lot of them are sweet.