JEFF FIELDER Editor
CHADRON – Allie Watson, who will be a senior this fall at Chadron High School, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. She’s one of the region’s top softball players – she plays shortstop and is a two-year starter – and she also competes in basketball. This school year she also plans to participate in FFA. She’s also involved in 4-H and her youth group at Ridgeview Bible Church in Chadron. She has a 3.9 GPA. After she graduates from high school, she plans to go to college. Her parents are Boone and Nadene Watson.
Q: How have things been going this summer for Chadron’s softball program?
WATSON: “We couldn’t start until June 1, so it was a pretty short season. We practiced about five times a week, so we got done as much as we could in a short amount of time.”
Q: Did you play in quite a few games?
WATSON: “We did. We ended up having about 25 or 26 games. We went about 50/50 for wins and losses. It was a fun season. We all got along really well.”
Q: How excited are you for your senior softball season?
WATSON: “I’m definitely excited about it. I’m really looking forward to playing one more season with my teammates.”
Q: What are your expectations for the team this fall?
WATSON: “I would like to say we’re going to have a really good season, but realistically, we have a lot of girls who haven’t played varsity before. So, it’s definitely going to be a season of growth.”
Q: How much do you feel like you’ve progressed as a softball player over the years?
WATSON: “My freshman year I was definitely pretty shy, but I’ve grown a lot since then.”
Q: How much do you enjoy playing shortstop?
WATSON: “This is my first year playing varsity shortstop. I was a little nervous at first, being at a new position, but it’s been going well. I like it a lot. You’re always on your toes. You’re always ready to go.”
Q: What position did you play last year?
WATSON: “I played third base and left field.”
Q: You also play basketball. How do things look for Chadron’s varsity girls basketball team this upcoming season?
WATSON: “We’ve had a couple scrimmages, and those went well. I think we’ll be all right. It definitely hurts losing Olivia Reed, but I think we’ll still be pretty strong in most aspects.”
Q: Which sport do you like to play better – softball or basketball?
WATSON: “Definitely softball.”
Q: You said you’re also involved in FFA. How many years have you been participating in FFA?
WATSON: “Since my freshman year.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed being part of FFA?
WATSON: “My freshman and sophomore years, I made it to state in two events. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Q: What degree do you want to pursue in college?
WATSON: “I was thinking maybe education or something where I’m able to help people. That’s what I really want to do – help people.”
Q: Are you part of any volunteer groups right now?
WATSON: “I am. In 4-H, I’m part of a group called Junior Leaders, and we do quite a bit of stuff in the community. Also, my freshman year I was in a club called Interact (sponsored by the Chadron Rotary Club).”
Q: Talk a little more about what you do in 4-H, and how much have you enjoyed being in 4-H and FFA?
WATSON: “I show pigs in 4-H. It’s a lot of fun. I’m definitely more of a sports person, but being around animals is fun. It’s good to get out and do some ranching stuff.”
Q: Have you had quite a bit of success in 4-H?
WATSON: “Yes. I’ve done pretty well. I think one of my pigs actually holds the record for most money made, but that’s because I did a charity donation.”
Q: How much are you looking forward to your final year of high school?
WATSON: “It’s kind of bittersweet. I’m excited for all the ‘lasts,’ but I’ll definitely miss it when it’s over. So, I’m going to try to make the most of my last year of high school.”
Q: Because of what’s going on with COVID-19, do you think this school year will feel kind of strange?
WATSON: “Yes, I think it’s going to be pretty bizarre. It will feel different because everyone will be more cautious.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
WATSON: “I really like to read and work out, and I go to church with the family. I also like our youth group.”
Q: During your educational career, which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
WATSON: “I would say Brenda Lanphear. She’s such a bright and bubbly person. She knows how to make everyone’s day.”
Q: Which coach do you think has made the biggest impact on you during your athletic career?
WATSON: “I would say Robert Stack. He was our summer coach this year. No one really expected our summer team to do well, but we actually ended up surpassing a lot of people’s expectations.”
Q: What do you think is the coolest attraction in the WyoBraska region?
WATSON: “Chimney Rock is always pretty cool to go to. I also like Toadstool Park.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Chadron?
WATSON: “I would say Wilds Bar and Grill. We know the family who owns it, and my oldest sister works there. The food is really good there.”
Q: Name one person who you think is a big difference-maker in your community.
WATSON: “I would say my basketball coach, Jonn McLain. He’s always there for students. He’s always willing to listen to kids both before and after practices. He’s also willing to help kids with their homework. He’ll even stay late to help with extra stuff. He also comes to FCA events. He’s a good leader at the school.”
Q: What’s the coolest place you’ve ever traveled to?
WATSON: “Mexico. We went there last year.”
Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Chadron High School?
WATSON: “Ella O’Brien. She’s one of my best friends, and she has a heart of gold.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in Chadron, which one would it be and why?
WATSON: “I would say Shelley Dunbar U-Design It. She does a great job, and she also helps out a lot with softball. She’s a really good community person.”
Q: Do you have siblings?
WATSON: “I have seven siblings.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.
For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.
