White cleats, a pinstripe uniform emblazoned with the No. 14 and gloves unfurling from the resonant grip of a softball bat become a blur as senior outfielder Railey Mathine runs the bases.
However one thing remains clear: the purple bow attached to Mathine’s left shoe.
“I started wearing the bow for addiction recovery when we did Play for a Cause night,” Mathine said. “I had a family member that struggled with addiction and now works in a rehab facility. The bow symbolizes the fight they went through.”
Mathine’s advocacy resonates with her bold youth, when she decided to pick up softball on a whim in fourth grade.
“When I was in fourth or fifth grade my little league recreational team won the championship,” Mathine said. “That was when I realized I wanted to continue playing softball if moments like these were possible.”
Twelve-year-old Mathine made the decision to join a select team. Physical results reflected in her skill, while the idea built her backbone in the sport.
“Playing select not only helps me stay consistent year round, but it has also taught me how to be a leader in different environments and working with different people,” Mathine said.
However, her call of action was lost upon her transition to high school. Each year of her high school career faced the brunt of rebuilding relationships with a new head coach.
“We have had four to five coaches in five years, so it has been challenging just having to build a new connection with a coach so frequently,” Mathine said.
Her junior year, Mathine made the varsity team. Although this accomplishment held a celebratory front, it caused Mathine to lose her drive.
“Softball is a very mental sport,” Mathine said. “A good batting average means you hit the ball 40 percent of the time. Last year I struggled with the coach and did not get to play as much, so it affected my confidence when I got on the field. I started playing more cautiously which made me strike out more often.”
“This past summer I really did not want to continue with softball, but my select coach told me to just stay for the season, so I agreed,” Mathine said. “He had me leading off playing center, and I was just like, “OK, I really do love this sport.”
Mathine’s renewed assuredness has worked in consolidating a team synergy into a sturdy bond.
“We both play the same position, so rather than compete against each other we push the other to play well,” junior outfielder Audrey Pham said. “It helps us build each other up as friends and as teammates.”
Mathine is also a part of Coppell High School’s Best Buddies Club, which promotes inclusivity for special needs kids by fostering friendships and hosting events.
The energy propelling Mathine across the close-cropped grass of Coppell ISD Baseball/Softball Complex every game day was manifested in her bubbly personality on Buddy Night.
“Every kid was so excited to be out on the field and walk with someone, it made me so happy to see how getting to be a part of our sport and high fiving the team meant so much to them,” Mathine said.
Along with Best Buddies Club, Mathine traces back her softball roots by volunteering with a youth program, coaching girls in a recreational league.
“I remember when I was in a recreational league and the high schoolers would come with us, it was so cool to have older girls there,” Mathine said. “I love to see these girls inspired by our support, and they come out to see our games as well.”
To Coppell softball coach Emily Witt, Mathine’s actions are integral to the team’s outlook.
“She’s always this kind of life force in the dugout,” Witt said. “I always call her Rai because she is like a ray of sunshine for us.”
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