Friends through every inning: The story of Milton鈥檚 Heidi Cay Selby, Allison Oneacre and friendship
MILTON, Ga. — For some kids, friendships come and go, but for Heidi Cay Selby (HC) and Allison Oneacre (AO), the friendship they discovered as two little girls on a softball field was built and meant to last. It started with a glove, a bat, and two kids learning the basics, but it developed into a friendship driven by teamwork and a shared passion for the game. Now seniors at Milton High School, HC and AO reflect on their years together, through wins, losses, practices, and laughter. Through it all, they have stayed side by side as teammates and sweet friends.
HC and AO鈥檚 connection began on the field of a sport they both grew to love, though for slightly different reasons. For HC, softball quickly became her refuge. 鈥淪ince I was 10, softball has always been the most drama-free sport. The girls are laid-back, and the friendships I have made will last forever,鈥� she says. AO, meanwhile, found excitement in the opportunities softball gave her, especially traveling across the country and building friendships beyond the Milton community. 鈥淚 love the friendships I鈥檝e built through travel ball. I鈥檝e met people I wouldn鈥檛 have otherwise, and that鈥檚 something I鈥檒l always cherish,鈥� AO shared.
Over the years, the two leaned on each other. Together, they would share a quick laugh before a game or motivate teammates together during tough moments. As captains at Milton High, they embrace their leadership roles but try to also keep things light. 鈥淏efore every game, we tell the team, 鈥榃e have nothing to lose.鈥� It sounds funny, but it helps us stay calm and keeps the pressure from getting to us,鈥� HC explains.
As they developed as players through the years, they had their share of struggles among changes and tough competition. HC dealt with being moved from her favorite position at shortstop to left field during her freshman year. It took time to adjust, but as she puts it, 鈥淚鈥檝e grown to love it. It鈥檚 my spot now.鈥� AO found juggling the demands of school, sports, and life to be the biggest challenge. 鈥淢y schedule is packed, but I keep to-do lists and make sure to get enough sleep,鈥� she shared.
Softball has come with its share of lessons with both explaining that in softball they have learned how to work well with others, how to work together for a common goal, how to overcome adversity, and learn how to win and lose together with each other and their teammates.
In moments of victory, HC and AO always found ways to celebrate each other. One of their favorite traditions is awarding the Wonder Woman cape to any teammate who hits a home run. 鈥淎fter you hit the homer, you put on the cape and 鈥榝ly鈥� back to the dugout,鈥� HC shared. 鈥淧retty much Allison wears it every game, though!鈥�
As graduation approaches, HC and AO are preparing to walk separate paths. HC plans to step back from competitive softball and focus on academics, though she is not quite ready to give up the game entirely. 鈥淚鈥檒l play club softball in college,鈥� HC says. 鈥淚 love the people more than the sport itself, so a lighter commitment feels right for me.鈥� Meanwhile, AO is gearing up for the next big chapter in a competitive way. AO will be playing softball at Penn State, where she also plans to study finance.
While the game of life holds new innings they will face separately in their future, AO is confident their friendship will remain strong. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been through so much together,鈥� she reflects. 鈥淚 know we鈥檒l always stay close, no matter where life takes us.鈥� HC feels the same way. 鈥淚 admire Allison so much as a leader, a player, and a friend,鈥� HC says. 鈥淚鈥檒l miss her, but I鈥檒l be there for her watching her games from afar and cheering her on every step of the way.鈥� Both HC and AO have also expressed gratitude not just for each other but for all the friends, teammates, and talented coaches they have had through the years.
The two plan to remain constant in each other鈥檚 lives. For them, it has never been just about the game, it has been about the memories, the laughter, and the moments they鈥檝e shared along the way. Softball may have been the sport that brought them together, but it is the connection they have shared that will keep them close no matter what pitch life throws out to them next. Their friendship and that of many long playing teammates is a win no scoreboard could ever measure.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.