Sarah Demoss, one of Italy’s standout softball players and a member of the Angelo State University softball team, has seen another one of her dreams come true. She played in the Division II National championships in Salem, Virginia in May. The No. 4 ranked Rambelles jumped into the winner’s bracket by defeating the University of Indianapolis 3-1. They lost their second round game 3-2 in the eleventh inning to North Georgia, but bounced back by defeating Winona State 7-3. Their season ended with a heartbreaking 10-0 loss to No. 5 ranked Alabama-Huntsville.

“It was really exciting playing in the national tournament,” said Demoss. “It didn’t hit me until we got there. We left at 5:00 a.m. and flew to Atlanta. We had a three hour layover in Atlanta with nothing to do. There were softball players spread everywhere at the airport. By the time we got to Virginia, I was pretty tired.”

When asked what the best thing about this year’s season she replied, “getting a conference and regional championship ring that I don’t have to pay for.” She received her first regional and conference ring while playing softball for Texarkana College.

Sarah is the daughter of Tommy and Anne Sutherland and Don Demoss. She is very thankful for her family and their support. She stated they had always been there for her and supported everything she did.

Sarah is very good at many things, softball being one of her best achievements. The game is affording her an opportunity to further her education and realize her dream of becoming an occupational therapist. While participating in sports, she also maintains a 3.29 average. She wants to bring that up her senior year to be assured admittance into Occupational Therapy school.

“After I graduate in December of 2010 with a degree in exercise science, it will take three more years for me to become an occupational therapist. I always wanted to become a therapist, but did not realize until this year it was occupational therapy. When I get my degree, I want to work in an institution with mentally disadvantaged people.”

Most people that watched Sarah play softball for the Lady Gladiators have no idea there was a time when she struggled with softball. Her lifetime friend, Jessica Simon, talked her into playing in the 5th grade and remembers that year very well.

“She would stand in the outfield and play with the flowers,” Simon said laughing. “I wondered if I had made a mistake by talking her into playing.”

In one year, Sarah became more interested in softball. While playing at the YMCA in Waxahachie, Demoss decided she was tired of not being a good player and got serious about the game. Coach Danny Shaw worked with her on batting which made a noticeable difference on the field. It also gave her the confidence she needed.

“I have been very fortunate to have great coaches during my career,” Demoss said. “Johnny Jones and Mike Sauke were wonderful coaches in high school. They were always big on the team being a family. They taught us to play with pride and class. I have also learned a lot from ASU coach, Travis Scott.”

Sarah has helped Mike Sauke with his softball camp for the last eight years so she will miss doing that this year.

Demoss also credit teachers like Marjorie Bridge, Sarah Killough and Val Jackson for teaching her in the classroom. In addition to teaching what was in the textbooks, they pushed her to think for herself.

She remembers the shock when she discovered Jackson’s picture on a wall of honor at Angelo State. “I had no idea Coach Jackson attended Angelo State University until I saw his picture. He never told us he was All American in athletics and academics. I have so much respect for him.”

Sarah loves softball and will enjoy her last year playing at Angelo State with her teammates. She also loves her family, chocolate, fishing and being outdoors. One of her favorite things is swimming with her dog, Izzy, a lab/blue heeler mix.

“One of my strengths is my arm, how hard I throw,” she said. “I had been an infielder all my life, but will never forget the game at ASU when I was playing center field and threw a girl out at home. That was the coolest thing in the world. I am also thankful for my speed. I am getting faster as I get older. In high school I ran from home to first base in 2.6 seconds. I can do it now in 2.4.”

Demoss is no stranger to awards. At Texarkana College she was named Second Team All Regional. At Italy High School, she was named Lady Gladiator of the Year, Super Centex Honorable Mention Infielder, Nancy Carter Ferguson award, 1st Team All District (2 years), and 1st Team All District in Volleyball.

Sarah has proven time and again that she has what it takes to be successful at any endeavor. She does not shy away from hard work in the classroom or on the playing field. If the past is any indication of what her last year in softball should be, her fans are in for a wonderful ride.