By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Tatum Scheffel
Parent: Kris Scheffel
Activity: Softball
Twitter: @tatertot710
What was it like to be a leader on the softball team at Ashwaubenon High School? “Being a leader for the softball team at AHS was an absolute honor. I was blessed to be a part of the program. We had so many talented girls. I loved that I got the opportunity to pick up the girls in tough situations and be very vocal.”
What was your most embarrassing moment ever in softball? “I remember one summer my teammate and I ran for a pop fly that was foul. We both tripped over each other and missed the ball horribly. Everybody laughed including the umpires.”
How many years were you involved in softball? “I started playing in AGSA when I was four, and I’ve played since then. Softball has brought me together with some of my closest friends.”
What is your most memorable moment? “Last year I tore my lateral meniscus, which took me out of softball. Although it completely ruined my season, the memories I made with the seniors are memories I’ll never forget. I learned everything I know from the class of 2017, and the injury brought me even closer to that group.”
What was the hardest part about performing in a softball competition? “The hardest part about softball is letting your teammates down and trying to come back from that. You have to stay positive throughout the entire game.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be? “I’d be a photographer that takes pictures of the most beautiful places in the world. My goal in life is to see all of the seven wonders of the world.”
What was your sports routine before a big game? “I actually started a little routine this past year. Before every game my teammate (Peyton Wright) and I always improvised the song by Nick Jonas, ‘Introducing Me’. It helped me relax before the big games.”
Do you have a nickname or something a teammate called you during a game? “My coaches called me Schef. My teammates referred to me as Tay or T.”
What is one thing that other teammates or coaches don't know about you? “Most people don’t know but I was adopted by my mom when I was two weeks old, and I owe everything I have to her.”
A game with a single, double, triple, and home run (cycle) or a big team win? “A big team win because I got to celebrate it with my teammates. When we had the opportunity to come back and win together it was a perfect feeling.”
What are your college aspirations? “I am going to UW-Stevens Point to major in social work/ psychology and I also plan to minor in Spanish.”
What would your dream job be once you graduate? “Child and family social worker.”
What are your hobbies? “Other than playing softball, I love to hang out with friends, relax, and read.”
What is your favorite event ever attended? “In 2011, I got to watch the Brewers win the division title. I still have some confetti from the game.”
What is your favorite type of music? “I like all kinds of music.”
What is your favorite thing to do on your phone? “Snapchat, or Instagram”
What three words describe you? “Funny, kind, and responsible”
What is your favorite trip ever taken? “This past spring break I went to Peru for a class trip. We climbed Machu Picchu and traveled all around the country.”
TV or Outdoor Activities? “Outdoor activities. I love reading in my hammock or taking my dog for a walk.”
Favorites
Food: Pizza
Subject: English
Color: Sky blue
TV Show: “Hawaii Five-O”
Athlete: Ryan Braun
Board Game: I like playing Rummikub
Candy: M&Ms
Ice Cream: I like all ice cream. I can’t pick just one.
Holiday: Christmas
Season: Fall
Comments on Tatum Scheffel: “Tatum was a great player and an even better person,” said Shannon VanLaanen, Ashwaubenon Softball Coach. “She battled through two years of injuries and did whatever she could to get herself on the field. She always had a smile on her face and a knack for knowing what we needed at that time. She will be missed.”