VYPE: So you’re playing sports pretty much all year long, right?
Shelby Rusche: Yes.
VYPE: What are you doing in the summers?
SR: I play travel ball for Gametime National 2024 in the summer so I get to travel the country with my best friends all summer, and on the off days we spend them at the lake in the summer.
VYPE: That’s awesome. How has the experience of playing for Gametime helped you to level up your game? Why are you thankful for that experience?
SR: I have been on Gametime for about 10 years now and they have helped me with my game from just holding me to a higher standard and playing the best of the best, and I’m thankful for that because it is going to prepare me for college.
VYPE: How many of your Carl Albert teammates play with you?
SR: Just my little sister, Bailey.
VYPE: Your coaches say you’ve been a pleasure to coach. What does that type of compliment mean to you?
SR: It lets me know that they have my back and believe in me.
VYPE: As a 3-year starter, what is the greatest takeaway you’ve had from your first year? What lessons have you learned?
SR: Playing through adversity my first year and having to feel in some big shoes when I was a freshman. A lesson I learned from that was nothing is ever handed to you. And to never take anything for granted.
VYPE: Why was Rogers State the right place for you? What was the visit like?
SR: From stepping on their campus sophomore year it felt like home. I knew then that’s where I wanted to be and my best friend gets to play with me too. My visit was fun and relaxing, felt like I was already a part of the team when I was with them.
VYPE: What part of your game has improved the most over the past three years?
SR: My mental game was my worst enemy from freshman year ‘till now, and I have improved in that throughout the years.
VYPE: Which of your teammates has had the greatest impact on you? Why?
SR: I would say Karlee Smith. Anytime she sees me down she never fails to bring me back up and make me laugh.
VYPE: What’s a piece of advice a coach has given you that stuck with you?
SR: Don’t let one at bat control the rest of your game.
