Shining in Spain

By: Bailee Farrens, Contributing Writer

Most high school athletes dream of expanding and showing off their talents through college visits, or long tournaments with their teams, but for Cora King, it means traveling the world. ​

King, a junior at Centralia High School (CHS), went to Barcelona and Valencia, Spain to play softball with a group of girls from across the country, representing eight different states. 

In order for King to go, she had to be nominated by her softball coach, Coach Elizabeth Bostick. “I nominated Cora due to her intense passion for softball. Her continual drive to improve not only her softball skills but also her leadership abilities,” said Bostick.

From July 30, to August 7, 2024, King played three softball games and had three team practices. King competed against girls from Barcelona and Valencia and even a 26 year old from Denmark. This opportunity was through an organization called Beyond Sports. 

Individuals who travel to play a sport through the Beyond Sports Organization, can be from anywhere within the United States. This selection process starts with being nominated by your school or club coach. From there, Beyond Sports will choose from the nominations, and select a number of athletes to play around the world. 

This trip was more than softball however. King also went on tours of Valencia, different museums and churches and even went on a catamaran ride. “I loved going to Spain. Seeing how buildings are different and how Spaniards act and live. Their culture and beliefs are so interesting and different, and I loved learning about everything,” said King. 

King is currently the catcher for the CHS varsity softball team and has played softball since she was five years old. While playing for school as well as a competitive league, she has aspirations to continue playing after high school. “I do want to pursue softball after high school and in college. I have loved it all my life and it is one thing that has been a constant. I definitely want softball in my future,” King said. 

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