A numbers game
Delanie Joines looked forward to leading Danville softball to its best season yet
By Mike Beas
The two semistate appearances by a Danville softball team are separated by 22 years.
With senior third baseman and three-year starter Delanie Joines leading the way this spring, those closest to the Warriors program were confident they might take yet another step.
Danville put together a 70-18 record in coach Greg Glaser’s first three seasons and had lofty aspirations before the season was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Semistate finalists a year ago, this group thought the Class 3A state championship game was within reach.
Joines had posted career numbers of 37 doubles, 109 RBIs and a gaudy .471 batting average. What numbers she would have put up as a senior are anyone’s guess. Joines is bypassing the opportunity to play softball in college in order to get started on a career in cosmetology.
She takes classes at PJ’s College of Cosmetology in Brownsburg.
“Delanie had several colleges looking at her, but she wants to pursue her dream, and that’s what she should do,” Glaser said. “Delanie is one of the most consistent players I’ve ever coached. She would basically stop everything, and 99.9% of her throws to first base were spot on.”
Joines participated in a Q&A with the ICON:
(Photo by Eric Pritchett)
Q: We never got to see the 2020 Danville softball team play. What did we miss?
A: I think it’s really unfortunate. We worked so hard because we were determined to make it to state. It’s a shame no one got to see that. Not only is our coaching staff amazing, but the determination and work ethic by coaches and players was unmatched. Everybody contributed something.
Q: Which college programs expressed interest in you, and how hard will it be not to play softball at the next level?
A: I had contact with USI (Southern Indiana) and Defiance (Ohio) College. My whole goal was to play in college, but I do love watching softball, and it inspires me even if I’m not playing. I started playing softball when I was 4. Growing up kind of got in the way of me playing (in the future).
Q: What is it about the cosmetology business that interests you?
A: I’ve always been creative and love makeup, hair and fashion. There just wasn’t any other job for me. It sounds cheesy, but I like helping other people feel beautiful. I want to open my own salon and have my own products as well.
Q: If you could have one final softball game, where would it be played and who is the opponent?
A: Every softball player dreams of being in the College World Series. I would want to play for Alabama and be playing against Arizona. If it was high school, I would want it to be against Tri-West. It’s definitely really interesting when we play because we’re so equally good.
Athlete of the Week