‘Hot Seat:’ Hesperia shortstop, daughter of All-American, has big plans in the trades

HESPERIA — CatchMark SportsNet’s Tate Stine recently sat down with Hesperia senior Ali Townsend, the Panthers’ standout softball player.

During the fast-paced interview, we learned some interesting facts about Townsend. She has most of her future planned, especially her profession. Townsend seems certain that she wants to become an electrician.

Currently, Townsend has an apprenticeship that will hopefully allow her to receive her journeyman’s license. If not, she will find a different route in the world of construction. The kicker? She’s afraid of heights.

But where does Townsend find the love for softball? It may run in the family. Her mom, Patti, was an All-American at the University of Michigan and played at the highest possible level of softball. She was a member of Team USA and was even awarded the Most Valuable Player title in the WPSL (Women’s Professional Softball League).

Ali Townsend was asked about other things outside of softball besides her future: Personal questions about things like her pet peeves or what she likes to do in her free time.

It’s been a challenging softball season for Hesperia, but Townsend is still producing at a high level. She ranked fifth in the West Michigan Conference stat leaders graphic this week with a .548 batting average.

To see the full interview between Townsend and Stine, click the video at the top of this story.