Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Savannah Dawson, Blue Pony Softball

It has been some time since the spring sports season was canceled, with many athletes mourning the loss of the season that never came. This year, like always, would have seen many student-athlete's standout year in their respective sports.

But now, that will not happen.

Regardless, many athletes like Havre High softball senior Savannah Dawson have been pushing through and making the most of their last moments of high school. Not having a senior season hurts, but it has not kept Dawson down, as she is still working hard to make the Blue Ponies proud.

Dawson has been involved with the sport ever since she was 5 years old and has been committed to the Blue Ponies for all four years. Dedication goes a long way when it comes to sports and Dawson proves she has put in the hard work and commitment that has molded her into an excellent student-athlete.

Even with the season gone, Dawson talked about her experience with her head coach, Tony Vigliotti, who has been putting the spotlight on his seniors.

"Over the years, I've made many memories and friendships that will last a lifetime," Dawson said. "This sport has taught me to be a good teammate and to never give up, always persevere. It's hard to see it end without one final season, but I am so thankful for my coaches and teammates."

Dawson has put in a lot of work for the Ponies over the years. She has made an impact on the program for quite some time, too. Dawson brought intensity to her performances and helped her team put up some impressive wins. She has faced tough teams from the old Central A like long-time rival Lewistown. This year would have seen her bring the thunder to the new Northeast A, conference opponents like Glendive, Miles City and Sidney.

Before the COVID-19 concern hit the sports world hard, Dawson was, like many of her teammates, ready for one more season and one more opportunity to make some noise in Class A softball. Alongside her fellow seniors, Dawson was prepared to give it her all to make her team proud.

There was and has always been a lot to look forward to for athletes like Dawson when it came to the spring sports season. With that in mind, Dawson was looking forward to the rush that the game brings her every time she is out on the field.

"I was looking forward to the last chance to play with my friends," Dawson said. "I looked forward to being in and having that intensity of the game again, as well as that feeling of winning and accomplishing something we worked hard for."

Not only does Dawson put in work on the field for Havre, but she gives it her all in the classroom, too. There is no doubt that her teachers are proud of her commitment to her education, too, which has translated to her efforts on the field for Vigliotti and the Ponies. The tradition of excellence is quite strong in the senior.

Now, Dawson has her sights set on her college education. When asked, Dawson kept it simple in regard to her plans after she finishes high school this year.

"I plan to go to Northern for a year," Dawson said. "Then I'll be going to Montana Tech."

At the end of the day, the 2020 spring sports season would have brought about a lot of fun for the Blue Pony softball team. Like so many others, Dawson has worked hard and dedicated herself to her sport. Even though she may not have a senior season now, Dawson will have a lot of experiences, moments and memories by her side as she goes forward. But before the softball standout heads off to pursue a college education, the Havre Daily News caught up with Dawson for five questions.

HDN: What is your favorite thing about softball?

Dawson: "Probably the atmosphere, just being able to be with my friends, and just the work ethic that it requires."

HDN: What is your favorite memory with the Havre High softball team?

Dawson: "I don't have one specific memory, but probably all of the bus trips and overnight trips to out-of-town places."

HDN: Who or what is your biggest inspiration when it comes to your softball career?

Dawson: "I'd have to say my grandma. She's a big inspiration for me and I just loved having her at my games. She's just like a really good role model for my life in general and stuff like that."

HDN: What are your hobbies outside of sports?

Dawson: "I like to play the piano, hang out with my friends. I like to read a lot and I like to practice archery."

HDN: How have you been coping with the cancellation of the softball season?

Dawson: "I've been playing catch with my little sister because she plays softball also and as the weather gets nice, doing stuff outside. With softball, I've gotten together with some friends and did some hitting and played catch."