Extra Effort: Washington softball’s Tara Alois carries tune, multiple instruments with ease

TL;DR

Tara Alois, a senior infielder from Washington High School, reflects on her successful softball career as it comes to an end. Balancing her love for softball with her involvement in choir and musicals has been a rewarding challenge.

Key points

Tara Alois is a senior infielder at Washington High School.
She has played softball since she was three years old.
Alois is also involved in choir and musicals.

Tara AloisWashington High School

WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The softball career of Tara Alois is coming to a close.

She says she played tee ball when she was three and travel ball at five-years-old. After four years of high school softball, Alois is happy with the softball chapter of her life.

“I don’t regret a single moment,” said the senior infielder. “I’m happy I stuck with it through my whole life.”

Sticking with softball was a challenge because her schedule is challenging. Alois is in choir, performing in musicals and has been a part of Washington High School’s Madrigals since her freshman year.

Which is also when she joined the school’s marching band. Needless to say, she loves music.

“I play percussion, can play the piano, guitar, ukulele and harmonica, sort of,” she said with a laugh.

She’s also a straight A student taking advanced placement classes.

“She is so talented. You don’t even know all the talents that come out (of her),” said Washington softball coach Stephanie Lawson. “It’s like she can play the harmonica and piano at the same time. Or she can juggle in a hotel room with her teammates.”

She’s juggled all of her school commitments flawlessly. And this spring she produced a short film titled ‘Be Mine,’ which took third in an Illinois High School Association statewide competition.

“It’s super fulfilling when it’s finally done and you get to watch it,” Alois said. “And watch other people watching it. That was my favorite part.”

Right now, people are watching her play softball. Washington wraps up the regular season this week and plays in regionals next week.

When she graduates Sunday, she says she’ll feel like accomplished a lot. On and off the softball field.

“I’ve learned a lot from the different activities I do,” said Alois. “I think the best part about doing all of them is the diverse friends I’ve made thought them.”

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Q&A

What is Tara Alois's softball career history?

Tara Alois started playing tee ball at three and transitioned to travel ball at five, culminating in a four-year high school softball career.

How has Tara Alois balanced softball with other activities?

Tara has managed a busy schedule that includes participation in choir, musicals, and being part of Washington High School’s Madrigals since her freshman year.

What are Tara Alois's reflections on her softball journey?

Tara expresses no regrets about her softball journey, stating she is happy to have committed to the sport throughout her life.