Softball pitcher Cayla McCarthy uses her change-up, one of her go-to pitches, to baffle opposing hitters. This CVU Redhawk pitcher is no glass of water. And as long as we're setting the veritable table with baseball images, sometimes this pitcher serves up some high cheese or low cheese. For those not into baseball, cheese is a slang term for a fastball, McCarthy's other go-to pitch.

Born in Manassas, Va. on Aug. 11, 1992, McCarthy briefly lived in California and then in Massachusetts before her family settled in Shelburne when she was five-years-old. Her family includes parents, Cathy and Kevin, 21-year old brother Brendan, and their Yorkshire terrier named Moses.

First pitching in the third grade, McCarthy credits her mother, who played high school and college softball, for not only starting the softball program in Shelburne but also for her affinity for the game. She has also played a few infield positions including second base, shortstop, and third base but comments, "I like to be active, and since pitching seemed to be the most active spot, I tried it and loved it."

McCarthy played junior varsity softball and was named captain in her freshman year at CVU. As a sophomore, her first year on the varsity squad, the team only accumulated one win during the regular season. A junior captain this year, McCarthy says the team has set loftier goals this season, "the team goal is to win half of our games," she says matter-of-factly. That means a total of eight games must go their way.

According to softball head coach Corinna Hussey, "Cayla has worked hard this winter pitching and playing indoor softball at the Shelburne Athletic Club. She has a wonderful spirit and drive that she brings to the game. You know that she is always working hard but makes sure that she also has fun doing it. She is a true leader on the team and opened our season Monday going all seven innings against MMU. She and the team have a tough season ahead of them, but I know Cayla is up for the challenge."

McCarthy reveals that it's an important custom for her to listen to music before every game. And not just any music. "I have to listen to ‘Billie Jean,' the ‘Way You Make Me Feel,' or ‘Big Papa,'" she admits. Listening to music is just one aspect of her game day ritual that she shares, "The entire team knows that I sing on the mound. Whenever they see that I'm getting down they will all start singing to help me get my head back in the game." Now that's teamwork.

McCarthy is equally enthusiastic about her teammates. "The girls on the team know each other so well; we are always there for each other. We know how to pick someone up when they are down. We are a family," she states.

Not only is this junior athlete always singing she has a surprising musical talent: she plays the ukulele. "I went to a Sarah Bareilles concert and she played the ukulele in one of her songs. After that, I was hooked. It was even one of my Christmas gifts this year," she shares.

McCarthy also played field hockey and basketball for two years but gave them both up as an upperclassman.

Without field hockey this fall McCarthy was available to become a manager for the varsity football team. "Although I was basically a gopher: getting water for the players, bandages or ice for an injury, or running errands for the coaches I had such a good time." McCarthy explained. "I plan to do it again next year."

She was president of class council and remained very involved in the organization. One of the events the class council is in charge of is the annual tricycle race. Each class is responsible for not only building a trike but also racing it around the gym during a pep rally. This year class council is also organizing the prom. "We decided on the theme, selected a location, and will be in charge of the decorations," she says.

Another extracurricular activity McCarthy is happily caught up in is Habitat for Humanity. "This will be my third year with Habitat for Humanity. On Saturday, I leave for West Virginia," she says, "I can't wait." In fact, Habitat has much to do with her proudest moment to date. "Last year I made a three-year-old girl a new room, including paint, flooring and such (along with renovating her house). It was amazing to see this girl attach herself to me like a big sister. Being able to give this young girl such happiness when she really had nothing is the most amazing feeling I could ask for," she said proudly.

Although McCarthy still has one more year of high school left, she is already contemplating her future. "I plan to go to college and become a teacher or guidance counselor," she said. Given her good natured leadership and healthy dose of compassion, its easy to imagine her future young students singing her praises too.