Skylar Thomas always could hit the curveball, especially when life throws something unexpected her way.
After starting softball as a 10-year old, the UH-Hilo first baseman’s career concluded on Saturday with a loss to Chaminade.
The Vulcans finished with a 17-20 season and 13-15 record for fifth place in the PacWest.
The 2017 Waiakea graduate finished with a .235 batting average with one home run and 12 RBIs in her senior season.
Now, that it’s over, she feels what? Relief? Satisfaction?
“It’s definitely bittersweet. It’s a weird feeling,” she said. “I’ve dedicated my whole life to school and softball. It’s over and about done. It’s weird not going to practice or to get treatment.”
One chapter closed, and another one is about to open.
Thomas graduates May 14 at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium with an Agriculture degree.
Degree in hand. Curveball coming. Thomas will adjust and hit it hard somewhere.
“Right now, I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said. “I’m pulling more toward teaching. I would love to help out the next generation, motivate kids in that route. It’s not a topic discussed daily.”
Besides the camaraderie with teammates, what she’ll miss from softball is the preparation that goes into the process. Studying an opponent. Fine-tuning her swing. Setting a game plan.
“It’s all the hard work, trying and going to practice,” said Thomas, who immediately looked backward. “I started late when I was 10. My dad (Solomon) got me into softball, and it helped that he got me into baseball at the same time.”
She and coach Aisha Sueda, who played for UHH from 2009 to 2012, share a long bond. Sueda recalls a young Thomas at the ballpark.
“I remember Skylar at our field when I played here at UH-Hilo, and to see how much she has grown is something,” Sueda said. “One of the best memories I had with her would probably be at regionals. She really shined as a player, and I’m happy I was able to experience that moment with her.
“She’s always the life of the party, a jokester and a typical island girl.”
Last season’s Vulcans advanced to the NCAA West Regional with a lineup stacked with seniors.
It was a tough job for Sueda to jump into.
“It was definitely a tough one, but I’ve learned a lot from this team and this season,” Sueda said. “I am also thankful for my coaching staff and the support from the athletic department and family who have really guided me through my first season.
“The best thing I can take away from this season is the experience and the lessons learned. It wasn’t the season I envisioned, but I know with time and patience we will get there.”
There’s always a finish line, and Thomas will reach hers on May 14.