![Rock Ridge students, Ghrini Sai Jella, Priya Bojji, Roma Rudrakshala, Lasya Thammineni and Zunairah Hasan dress up in green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. “I [celebrate] for fun because it seems very festive, and it's really enjoyable to see all the different people wearing green with you,” freshman Roma Rudrakshala said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC_0184-2-1200x800.jpg)
![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
Anjali Gay is a sophomore at Rock Ridge high school and plays softball for the Phoenix varsity team. She started playing softball as a freshman and plans to continue playing as long as she’s a Phoenix.
Q: Why’d you start softball?
A: I started softball because I was looking for something to fill my schedule. I chose softball because my sibling told me that the coach [ Koch] was a really good teacher.
Q: How do you feel about your journey through softball so far?
A: I had no prior experience, nor knowledge of softball, so it was hard to learn. However, I felt so welcomed by my teammates and coaches that helped me to learn the game.
Q: Does it feel good to represent your school?
A: I love to represent Rock Ridge. Even though we don’t always win, the team always shows support to each other and we’re always enthusiastic.
Q: How do you feel about the season so far, and what’s to come?
A: The season has been good so far, everyone’s bonding and we have a great team dynamic. There’s something fun coming soon that will be on our field that we’re very excited to see.
Q: Do you wish to continue softball after high school?
A: I don’t really have any plans for softball after high school. I started pretty late, so going to college for it, for me, isn’t really an option.
Q: How do you balance school and softball at the same time?
A: Something that helps me the most being a student athlete is taking all my free time and using it wisely. I don’t have a ton of free time, but when I do, I take advantage of it and get as many assignments done as I can. The balance can be difficult at times, but my coaches always let us take personal days if we need them off from practice.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about the team?
A: My favorite thing about the team is that no matter what happens in the game, I still feel loved and supported by my teammates. I also love away games because we blast music on the way back and annoy [the]baseball [team] so much. There’s nothing about the team that I don’t like, and the uniforms are cute.
Q: Advice to people who want to play?
A: Just don’t hesitate to join. You’ll have so much fun and love everything about it.
