By 2:45 p.m. the Morrison High School auditorium, at 643 Genesee Avenue, Morrison, IL, was filled with hundreds of well-wishers on Friday, November 16, 2012, with one purpose. The pep assembly was designed to honor Senior Kaitlyn Finneran, as she officially signed her Letter of Intent to play softball for the Drake University Bulldogs, in Des Moines, IA.
Sharing the momentous, pen-to-paper moment above, left-to-right, are mother Roxanne, Kaitlyn, and father Jim Finneran and Tammy Deter, Morrison High School varsity softball coach. Division 1 universities are no longer able to send Athletic Department representatives to such signings, but truthfully, a Drake coach was unnecessary. Many of those who helped Kaitlyn develop her softball skills were in attendance to acknowledge her impressive achievement.
- Tammy Deter has been Kaitlyn’s softball coach for four years. “Kaitlyn looked up to her older sister[, Erin]. [You can] see her passion. She has given help to other [players.] As a Freshman she just worked. As a Junior, she became a leader–“Steady Eddie”–helping others. She is such a good person; she works so hard!”
- MHS Guidance Counselor Jennifer Robinson agreed. “Kaitlyn is strong–academically as a student, as a friend, and as a softball player.”
- Lynn Patten, Assistant High School Coach, also taught her for years with the Morrison softball program.
- Mike Wiersema, Assistant Varsity Coach “had [the Finneran sisters] in B League softball when they were eight.” They go to his church. “I have known them their whole lives.”
- Fernando Pena, from the Quad Cities offered “individual instruction, start[ing] about age nine through high school. [He] would tweak [Kaitlyn’s skills] before State.” Pena is more a specialist instructor.
- Summer American Softball Association Coaches Tom Crowder (Quad Cities) and “Butch” Woner (Moline, IL) also “taught Kaitlyn since she was eight. Sister Erin played earlier; Shannon now plays, too,” as a MHS Junior.
Completing the Finneran softball dynasty, 26-year-old eldest sister Megan played a year of high school softball, before an accident took her out of the game. Below, the Finnerans were all smiles after the signing and speeches. In the back row, left-to-right, are Erin, Megan, and Shannon. Megan holds the next generation of ball players. Drake University sportswear was dominant. Kaitlyn added Bulldog blue fashion jewelry: a necklace and watch.
Roxanne stated, “This is a great opportunity.” She described Kaitlyn as very popular and competitive. “It was great having [the girls] focus on softball during the summer, every weekend and [at] summer tournaments. [Softball] has always been a big part [of her daughter’s life.] We couldn’t be any prouder of Kate than we are. Kate’s worked very hard and gave it her all. It paid off!”
Kaitlyn graciously began her remarks by thanking “the tech group who put all this together.” She has “been dreaming since age eight of this day. Softball taught me hard work can take anyone to great places.” She thanked her coaches and teachers. “Without my education, I wouldn’t be up here. I’m so honored to be a Morrison Filly.”
Special thanks went to her family. “Erin was a great role model. Megan supported and talked to me. Shannon…[has] been by me my entire life. You make me want to keep improving. Mom and Dad, you’ve given me everything I need to…make this happen.”
There was a slideshow of photographs televised in the cafeteria, while two flavors of cake and juice were distributed. A congratulatory balloon, bouquet of flowers, candy arrangement, and bags of gifts added to the festive afternoon.
Collegiate athlete Kaitlyn Finneran is not going far away, but she surely is going far!
