Hahira Middle School Softball, Basketball Player Laila Foster Named ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Female Youth Athlete of the Year
Laila Foster, a standout softball and basketball player at Hahira Middle School in Hahira, Georgia, has been named the ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Female Youth Athlete of the Year, presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Foster found her love for softball playing t-ball when she was around 4 years old. That is also when her parents noticed she was athletically inclined. She then continued on with coach pitch and finally fast pitch.
“Laila could run and hit the ball well, but the thing that impressed me and her coaches was her arm strength,” said her father, Ramon Foster.
It was not until the sixth grade that she decided she wanted to try basketball too. Mr. Foster said that he told her not to be upset if she did not make both teams, as it is difficult to do both. But, she did and has never looked back.
In softball, where she mainly plays first base and pitcher, Foster seemed to always be the girl up during the biggest moments, but she did not mind. Those moments were just another at-bat for her.
“She would drive runs in every game; she was dubbed as an RBI machine,” said Mr. Foster.
On the Hahira Middle School basketball team, Foster is a three-year starter and already has experience playing junior varsity basketball with the high school team.
“Coach Tookes, the girls varsity basketball coach at Lowndes High School, asked if I mind having Laila play some ninth-grade and JV basketball towards the end of the middle school season, and of course we were excited about this,” said Mr. Foster.
As mainly a post player and occasional wing, Foster led the middle school team in points, rebounds and blocked shots. Her best game was against Valdosta Middle School, where she scored 12 points to seal the victory.
Balancing academics and two sports in middle school is challenging, but, according to her father, Foster is ambitious and “wants to be the best at everything she does.” She even made the honor roll throughout the entire school year.
Foster and her family said they are proud and thankful for the award, as it shows that the hard work has paid off.
“As a parent, it’s one of those things where you are proud and emotional at the same time because your kid is being recognized for the work,” said Mr. Foster. “You always want to see your kids do well at anything they attempt, but I’m most proud of her work ethic. Laila wants to be the best, so she’s willing to work hard for it. We call it the Foster Mentality.”
Foster is a special talent, and you do not want to miss her upcoming four years playing softball and basketball for Lowndes High School.
Congratulations to Laila Foster, the ITG Next 2021-22 Georgia Female Youth Athlete of the Year, presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Written by: Kennedie Weems
