BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @gosset41
X – @gmsportsmedia1
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With the UIL softball state semifinals starting on Tuesday, a pair of sisters are enjoying this time of year at two different schools.
Sadie and Anley Hewitt are from Forney.
Sadie graduated in 2021 while Anley is currently a senior.
“Anley and I have been close from the moment she was born. Anyone who knew me knew that I had a little sister, and her name was Anley. I would take her everywhere with me, and brag about her to anyone I’d meet,” said Sadie, who is five years older. “Some things never change because it’s 18 years later and I’m still doing the same thing.”
Anley and Forney (32-1-1) open up their Class 6A Division 2 three-game series against Denton Guyer on Tuesday night. Game 1 starts at 7 pm from Guyer HS.
Forney took down Tomball 4-1 in the Region 2 championship.
“The playoff run this year has been one of the best experiences I have ever had,” Anley said. “There’s just something different about this year. We as a team are so determined to make it all the way and the bond we have is unlike any team I have ever been on. We all have one goal, which is to get to the state final. We all know what we want at the end of this season and we won’t let anyone or anything get in the way of it.”
Meanwhile, Sadie is in her first season as a coach with Leander Rouse, three hours south of DFW just outside of Austin.
Rouse (21-10-2) upset Liberty Hill in the regional final – clinching the first state semifinal appearance in program history.
The Raiders take on Montgomery Lake Creek (34-0) in the Class 5A Division 2 semifinals with their three-game series starting Thursday in Mumford.
“The defense aligned perfectly against the Liberty Hill, proving the strategy’s effectiveness. The regional final triumph over Liberty Hill stemmed from every player’s complete commitment. Both games showcased true team buy in, with everyone executing their roles flawlessly,” said Sadie, with Rouse winning games 23-3 and 8-1.
Seven years ago, Forney went on an impressive two-year run with trips to the state tournament in 2018 and 2019.
The team went 33-6 in 2018 capped with a 4-1 win over Richmond Foster for the Class 5A state championship – the school’s first and only softball title. The following year, the Jackrabbits’ had a great title defense showing before losing in the semis in extras vs Angleton – finishing with a 36-4 record.
Sadie Hewitt was a big contributor at first base and went on to receive multiple all-district and all-area honors. She would also make the DFW Metroplex All-Star game.
“Anley spent countless hours at the ballpark watching me and learning from my mistakes, and I believe that pushed me to not only be a better softball player but also a better person because her eyes were on me 24/7,” Sadie said. “I look up to Anley even though she’s my younger sister. She is the epitome of resilience, and hard-work. She is one of the most relentless people I have ever met, she’s never met anything that can stop her from accomplishing her goals.”
Anley is a Southeastern Oklahoma State signee.
Sadie played four years at Southeastern Louisiana.
“Anley and I are very close, and quite literally spitting images of each other and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Sadie said. “I cannot imagine having anyone else as a sister, I am so incredibly proud of her and cannot wait to see what all she accomplishes at Southeastern Oklahoma State.”
Added Anley, “Our relationship has always played a huge role in my life. She has always been the greatest role model for me whether in softball, school or just life in general. From as far back as I can remember I grew up at the ball fields watching her play and I wouldn’t be half the softball player I am nor half the person I am if it wasn’t for Sadie.
“As far as both of us in the state semifinals, it’s something I’ll never forget – her first year coaching and my last year playing in high school. We continue to play for our angel Em (Emily Galiano). Everything we do on the field is for her and she’s been here with us every step of the way.”
