Caroline Bowman picked up a softball for the first time in her life in the spring of 2008.

She hasn’t put the ball down since.

“I started playing softball in the third grade,” Bowman said. “My parents kind of stuck me in every single sport to see which one I liked the best. I fell in love with softball as soon as I played it.”

Bowman said her dad encouraged her immensely to compete in the world of softball.

“My dad played baseball through college,” she said. “He played at St. Olaf College (Division III) in Minnesota.”

The Spartans established a team goal early in the season to advance to the Class 4A state softball tournament on May 27-28.

“We want to make it to state and not only make it to state, but really make a statement there,” Bowman said. “Skyline softball hasn’t been to state in a while. We feel like we have the team this year that can really do it.”

Bowman is the Spartans ace in the pitching circle. She has compiled an overall record of 12-3 and has registered 120 strikeouts thus far. Despite being the center of attention, Bowman credited her teammates for making her job easier.

“They just make me feel so confident,” Bowman said. “I really feel like my defense has my back. It is amazing. We’re all tight-knit and are really close. It really makes a difference on the field.”

Bowman is thrilled with the mantra and results exuded by first-year head coach Lindsay Sullivan.

“She is amazing and brings in a ton of energy and positivity. She played in college too so she really knows what we’re going through, which is nice.”

The Spartans are currently competing in the Class 4A KingCo district softball tournament.