Even though she’s young, Kent-Meridian High’s Shelby Gardiner is a seasoned leader amongst her peers.

Last year, as a junior on a fastpitch team full of seniors, it was Gardiner’s long history with diamond sports that pushed her to be an example for her teammates. Now a senior, Gardiner is able to pass on her knowledge to the girls around her, many of whom have never played softball before.

Gardiner first began playing baseball with her cousins as a kid. In grade school, she got her first taste of organized softball, and it was history from there on out.

Starting off as a third baseman, Gardiner switched to first when she began playing for the Royals two years ago. This year, she’s stepped up and switched once again to catcher, a position she thought was boring until she experienced it.

“(It was) hard at first because I’m used to being good at the position that I play,” Gardiner said. “I like it now. You’re in every play even when the ball doesn’t get hit.”

Although being a diverse player, Gardiner wanted to hone her skills. That’s when she joined the Mosquito Squad, a South King County-based fastpitch club team. There, Gardiner was able to improve her knowledge of the game and exercise her leadership skills as well.

“She’s a leader by example … in the way she presents herself and her play on the field,” said Mosquito Squad coach Jessica Ventoza.

Ventoza said Gardiner’s a power hitter and makes solid contact every time. Gardiner admits that’s an improvement from before where she just wouldn’t swing at the ball at all.

“I just psyched myself out and wasn’t confident in what I could do,” Gardiner said. “But this year, I’m hitting the ball.”

Gardiner’s slugging percentage and batting average for her club team is .500. With the extra experience, she’s able to bring the lessons she’s learned back to her teammates at K-M and inspire the other girls to follow suit.

“If I can do it, then the other girls will get motivated and inspired to do it too,” Gardiner said.