Though her graduation and a state softball semifinals are today, this senior plans to be in the middle of both.
By BOB PUTNAM
Published May 20, 2004
PALM HARBOR - Beth Holmes will listen to solemn processionals before walking across the Bayfront Center stage and accepting her diploma.
Afterward, the Palm Harbor University High School student plans to dash out of the arena and toss her mortarboard into the air.
As soon as that cap comes off, she'll put on another.
Juggling many hats is a requirement for Holmes, the lone senior on the Hurricanes' softball team. She is pulling double duty today, graduating with her peers and playing in the state semifinals with her younger teammates.
"It's going to be a hectic day," she said.
Holmes knew there was going to be a conflict after the softball team beat Countryside in the regional final last week to advance to the state tournament for the first time since 2000.
Graduation ceremonies start today at 5:30 p.m. Palm Harbor University plays Niceville at Tampa's Ed Radice Park at 7:30 p.m.
Holmes wanted to do both. She thought of everything short of cloning herself to squeeze as much out of the day as possible. But the logistics and timing were major stumbling blocks.
That's when school officials decided to help.
Palm Harbor University principal Alex Liem and athletic director Bob Heintz agreed to accommodate Holmes by awarding her diploma at the beginning of today's ceremony.
Holmes will then get in her car and drive to Tampa in hopes of making it for the first pitch.
"I think I can do it as long as I don't hit a lot of traffic," Holmes said.
Her view of the state tournament will be from the dugout. A four-year player, Holmes started for the first time this season before she was beaten out by a freshman. Relegated to the bench, Holmes would seem to have every reason to skip the state tournament and join her friends at graduation parties.
But Holmes decided to stay. In fact, if she had to choose, Holmes said she would miss her graduation to be with her team.
"That speaks volumes about the kind of person Beth is," Palm Harbor University coach Chuck Poetter said. "I'm sure she has some hard feelings about losing her starting position. She could easily have quit or been a cancer on the team. I've had plenty of seniors before who have taken that route. But she's out here every day, working to get better.
"They just don't make kids like Beth anymore."
More than a role player, Holmes also has been the veteran and a source of wisdom for the underclassmen who make up the majority of the team.
"She's a team leader, not only as a teammate, but as a friend," said Jenni Brandon, a junior centerfielder. "If someone has a hard time, she'll take you aside and talk. She always gets you pumped up in the dugout. She keeps everybody in the game even if you're not playing."
For Holmes, the state tournament will mark the end of her competitive softball career. She plans to attend Florida State University in the fall.
"I've spent four years trying to get to the state tournament," Holmes said. "I wasn't about to miss it. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So is graduation. And I get to do both. You can't ask for much more than that."
- Times Staff Writer Laura Lee contributed to this report.
