The Thunder Mountain High School Falcons softball team began the 2020 season with aspirations of challenging for Region V supremacy. It was expected to be a year of transition with the team graduating two pitchers in the class of 2019, but the squad was excited to rise to the challenge and was disappointed when then season was canceled. The Falcons have carried on, holding team meetings via Zoom for the last two months, sharing some time with each other and preparing as best as possible for the 2021 season. Despite the unusual end to the season, the Falcon softball team and coaching staff wishes the best to our five graduating seniors: Letasi, Kaitlyn, Sulifa, Sarah and Cameron — they will be missed.
— TMHS softball coach John Boucher
Letasi “Tasi” Fenumiai: Letasi played four years of softball at TMHS, earning varsity letters in each year. Tasi was a multi-sport athlete that also played varsity volleyball and basketball. Tasi was an integral part of the 2017 and 2018 state champion Falcon softball teams, contributing her potent bat as well anchoring a strong Falcon outfield. Tasi received offers to continue her hoops career at two schools in Washington but plans on attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the fall to pursue a degree in education.
Kaitlyn Jansen: Kaitlyn played four years of softball at TMHS, earning varsity letters in all four years. Kaitlyn also lettered in fall and winter cheerleading for the Falcons in each of her four years. Kaitlyn was a key member of the 2017 and 2018 state championship Falcon softball teams, contributing as a second baseman and also as an outfielder. Kaitlyn was a clutch bunter and speedy base runner often being used in pinch-running situations in tight games. Kaitlyn plans on attending Southern Oregon University in the fall and pursuing a degree in psychology.
Sarah Hartsock: Sarahwas a four-year softball player at TMHS. Sarah spent her first three years as a junior varsity player, earning a varsity spot a letter in her senior year. Sarah played every position in the outfield and also played third base on occasion. Sarah will be remembered by the coaching staff for her unwavering commitment to the team, Sarah rarely missed practice and always had a great attitude about trying to get better at each practice. After graduating, Sarah will be joining the workforce and will try to plan her next steps.
Sulifa Veikoso: Sulifa played three years of TMHS softball, joining the Falcon softball squad as a sophomore. Sulifa played her sophomore year at the junior varsity level, and although she was just learning the game, she made many positive contributions to the team. In her junior year, her hard work and great attitude resulted in her getting promoted to the varsity near the end of the year. Sulifa played the outfield and was a strong bat. Sulifa will be remembered as a great teammate and was always one of the players leading the cheering for teammates when she was not out on the field. Sulifa will be attending school at Brigham Young University-Hawaii in the fall and intends to major in dental hygiene.
Cameron Framke: Cameron played two years of TMHS softball, joining the team as a sophomore. After playing outfield for the junior varsity, Cameron moved to Washington for her junior year but returned Juneau and the Falcons for her senior year. Although Cameron was a relative beginner at softball, she took to the game quickly, showing strong defensive skills and a very capable bat. After graduation, Cameron will be going to Navy boot camp,. At the conclusion of boot camp, Cameron will attend Accession training — A-school — to receive technical training in her selected occupational specialty as a hull technician.
• This piece was submitted by TMHS softball coach John Boucher.
