Sault Area Blue Devils Varsity Softball teammates Augusta (Gussy) Smith and Lucy Huskey grew up catching and hitting balls together. Now they are preparing to compete internationally at The Cup fast-pitch softball tournament in the Netherlands from Jan. 11 to Jan. 18.
The Sault Area High School juniors have played for their varsity team since freshman year. They were the only two Michigan softball players selected to play on the United States team against other elite athletes that include professionals and European Olympians.
“We were recruited by coaches for the US Cup team,” said Smith, who was in disbelief at first. “Kat came to our practice and noticed us. She watched us on the GameChanger app.”
Blue Devils Softball Coach Lisa Schulte is proud of her young athletes as they prepare to represent their hometown and country.
“I am excited for our program,” Schulte said. “These girls are very skilled. They don’t realize how good they are. When Gussy said she didn’t believe it, she was telling the truth.”
Smith and Huskey agreed they never would have made it this far without their coach. Schulte has taught them how to dive, drag bunt, move their feet and so much more.
“It’s all about mindset,” Huskey said, repeating Coach Schulte's words. “You can only hit the ball if you think you can hit the ball.”
Schulte was even more proud of the girls for putting her many lessons into action.
“I tell the girls all the time: 'You cannot focus on your failures because you can drown yourself in that,'" said Schulte.
Smith and Huskey have decided to focus on their many successes, always holding their teammates and each other accountable to do better.
"You have to play for your teammates and not just yourself," said Huskey.
Parents Corrie Rath and Amber Smith smiled, sharing positive comments on their daughters' work ethics and outstanding attitudes.
They are helping the girls raise the approximately $16,000 it will cost to get to the Netherlands with chaperones.
Smith and Huskey have recently teamed up with Anytime Towing to host a 'Smash a Car' Fundraiser on Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chippewa County Fairgrounds.
“We are always there to help out for a good cause,” said Mike Piche of Anytime Towing, about stripping down a car to be smashed to bits at the fair.
AllStar Graphics has even designed shirts to support the girls.
“If you would like a shirt, please let us know how many and the size and we will place an order for you,” said Rath. “Any proceeds will go toward the girls’ trip.”
T-shirt orders are needed by the morning of Thursday, Aug. 25.
The girls will be serving burgers with the Lions Club Friday, Sept. 2 from 11:30 to 8 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
In a separate fair fundraising event from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, Smith and Huskey will get dunked in a big tank of water.
You may also visit Lucy and Gussy join team USA in the Netherlands GoFundMe to donate.
“Without this community support, they wouldn’t be able to go,” said Rath. “It is an honor that they can share this with the Sault.”
