Even with sports on hold across the country, Daviess County softball standout Millie Roberts continues to gain national attention for the success she’s had on the diamond. The outgoing sophomore was recently ranked seventh in the entire country for the 2022 class by Extra Inning Softball.
Extra Inning Softball maintains the nation’s largest recruitment database and exclusively covers fast-pitch softball in the U.S.
A member of the Lady Panther softball program and the Beverly Bandits club team, Roberts is set to take her talents to Auburn University after graduation.
“One trip to the campus was all it took,” she said of committing to AU. “It’s a beautiful place with amazing facilities and the coaches were awesome.”
Her focus, however, remains on treasuring the remainder of her high school years and chasing postseason victories with her teammates. Roberts said this missed season is something she vows to never forget.
“It’s really opened my eyes to just how much life revolves around softball,” she said. “All the games, the tournaments on the weekends, the training, my friends – it’s definitely tough not being able to play right now.”
As a freshman, Roberts amassed 16 home runs, drove in 64 runs, and drew 19 walks – the vast majority of which were intentional. She spends her high school games behind the plate as a catcher, but when asked to transition to third base for her club team, she graciously accepted the challenge.
“While visiting Auburn for the first couple times, they said they envisioned me playing the corners,” she said. “When I attended their camps, they would put me at third base, so I decided to try and improve at that position.”
COVID-19 is forcing athletes of all levels to adjust during these trying times. High school and professional athletes alike are being innovative in their efforts to remain in elite playing shape, something that Roberts is taking seriously.
“I’ve been working with Coach Q (Wallace) nearly every day in my front yard,” she said. “We use tires and ladders to work on my strength and agility. I also practice fielding ground balls and hitting into a net in my backyard.”
When she’s not taking cuts off the tee, the 15-year-old is also finding value in spending time with her sisters and watching Netflix.
While she anxiously awaits a return to the diamond, there are other aspects of ‘daily life’ that she is eager to return to.
“I just want to gather up all my friends and go to Real Hacienda and eat,” she said.
