For Love of the Game : Rackleff’s senior leadership helps Lady Panthers unify with ‘One Heart’
Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008
When Jordan Rackleff needed a little inspiration, she knew right where to turn.
For the past 17 years, the lone senior on the Siloam Springs Lady Panther softball team has always answered to a higher calling.
In her time of need, whether it's with school, sports or everyday life, Rackleff finds comfort in serving and honoring God.
"God has blessed me with so many great things, my talent to play softball, my family and my wonderful teammates," Rackleff said. "I couldn't have done it with God."
According to Rackleff, God remains high on her list of top supporters, including her father, Eugene and mother, Traci, who have been to numerous softball games around the state of Arkansas for one simple reason - watching Rackleff shine in a sport she was born to play.
Even though her cousins, India (Lewis ), Brandi and Maci, have found tremendous success in dribbling a basketball, Rackleff went out on her own and created a winning path by touching all four bases.
Rackleff, however, will be the first admit that she is not least bit of jealous of her cousins accomplishments, which include a 1999 Conference 4 A girls' basketball state championship for India and Brandi, as well as a Division I scholarship to the University of Arkansas for India.
"Both our families are there cheering each other on, whether it's basketball or softball," Rackleff said. "There's not much rivalry within our families."
Of course, having her cousin, Maci (Lewis ), on the Lady Panthers' softball team this year meant the world to Rackleff.
"Maci made my senior year enjoyable," Rackleff said. "I love her to death."
Wherever No. 23 (Rackleff ) goes, it's a good chance that No. 21 (Lewis ) is following her cousin's example.
"Jordan's my best friend and I've always wanted to play on the same team with her," Maci Lewis said.
According to the soft-spoken freshman (Lewis ), Rackleff is all business on the softball field.
"Jordan doesn't like to lose," Maci Lewis said.
After helping lead the Lady Panthers to the Conference 5 A state tournament in 2007 as a junior, Rackleff found the pressure increase being the only senior on a team blessed with a strong sophomore and junior class.
"This year taught me a lot about not letting my emotions can involved in the game. As a senior, it was my role to show the other members of the team how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity," Rackleff said. "I wanted my teammates to know there is life after softball."
Even though the wins may have been minimal, Rackleff found victory in taking her teammates to church.
"Going to church and serving God has always been a big thing to me. I wanted my teammates to know that through all the peer pressure and parties that take place here in Siloam Springs, God is always present and there to offer His love and support."
It's through those times together, whether it was at practice or church, that Rackleff said the team grew closer.
"Our motto all season was to play as one team with one heart," Rackleff said.
"It wasn't about making it back to state, but more about coming together and not having any drama. A friend of mine once told me that you can't let God down when He's there holding you up."
For Rackleff, her friend's advice is timely and paints a perfect picture to how valuable the Lady Panthers' senior captain was to her team.
"Being able to grow with all 13 girls on this team is one of the best things I won't ever regret," Rackleff said.
And, of course, sharing the field with her cousin, Maci, will always be a priceless memory that Rackleff can look back on.
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