In 15 years of doing this... I've nearly seen it all. Studs, hotties, preps, nerds, athletes, band geeks, cowboys, gear heads, divas.... you name it.... I've photographed it.
So, why then, was I so on edge Tuesday afternoon?
Anyone that knows me, knows that sport runs through my blood. Thought I was gonna be a sportswriter... actually was for a couple years.... until the photography gig presented itself.
So, a decade and a half has passed... but I haven't forgotten the Bobcats, Comets, Wolverines, Trojans, Raiders, Rebels, Mustangs among others, that used to be my job. I still follow it.... I pay attention.... I do my homework.
That being said... it wouldn't take an expert to know who was visiting Tuesday afternoon.
While I most certainly may be going over the top and risking embarrassment to the young lady, it can be safely said that I was getting the opportunity to photograph a special athlete.
No one will argue that Jamie is one of the state of Iowa's finest softball pitchers. Her career numbers are mind-numbing. One hundred and eleven wins..... just twelve losses. An average of over two strikeouts per inning. Just a little over a week ago... she, along with her twin sister, Nicole (her catcher.... her blog is coming... wait for it...) and the rest of the uber-talented BCLUW Comets achieved the pinnacle of the sport as they won no less than four of the most dramatic wins one will ever see consecutively to take home the ultimate hardware in becoming the Class 2A State Softball Champions.
The captain of the State All-Tournament team? My client on Tuesday afternoon.
So, I'm sure by now, I've successfully embarrassed Jamie.... for you see.... for as good of a player as she is, I'm convinced that after getting to know her, she's an even BETTER person. And for that, Mama Linda and Papa Scott and all of the Comet Community should be proud. And as if the story couldn't get any better... she has a sister that shared the womb, catches every pitch, and is her athletic equal. Check out the image below of #09 (Niner) and #16 (Keeters) arm in arm.... I've created a lot of cool stuff over the years..... none am I more proud of than that one.
You are special young women... role models for young ladies everywhere... not just Comets.... my own 12-year old daughter is your biggest fan. ... you quite simply deserve everything you've gotten.
My only hope is that my images have done you justice.
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