Bella Muth discovered how failure in softball – or any sport – can have long-range positive ramifications.

“I totally felt comfortable playing softball when I learned that failing was part of learning,” recalled the recent Whitehall graduate. “It only prepared me for success in the end, with effort and hard work.”

However, consistent failures were hard to find in Muth’s four-year career. She began her series of highlights with hitting a walk-off grand slam her freshman year against Emmaus in an extra inning game under the lights. Her final chapter was being named captain her senior season.

During her final season, Muth hit .272 with a team-high two homers and added 16 runs and 15 RBIs as the team’s third baseman. Muth went two-for-three with an RBI in the district, 6-5 loss to Nazareth.

Head coach Jeff Vivian watched a total transformation of Muth since her sophomore year.

“There is probably not a kid in our program that overcame as much as Bella did,” stressed Vivian. “We as a staff really challenged her after her sophomore year to become a better, all-around player. We saw the glimpses, the walk-off grand slam as a freshman, her hot start as a sophomore, her time she put in as a junior getting better defensively. And I think that all came together for her.

“While her numbers reflect some bad luck, her power, her understanding of the game, and her leadership really came to the forefront, and that is a direct reflection of a player who can overcome a struggle. Those players can lend a hand to other players going through the struggle. She really became a well-rounded player for us this year.”

“And her game against Nazareth highlighted that.”

Muth began playing softball when she was 8-years-od, and it was a natural transition.

“It was a sport that a lot of my friends were playing, so I went to see one of their games and I thought it looked really fun so I decided to join in,” recalled Muth. “I started at Coplay Sports and then at 11-years-old I started 12-U travel ball.”

Muth credited Robb Piotrowski and Ed Stinner for her development.

“Robb Piotrowski, my Phantoms’ Fastpitch coach, was a positive influence earlier in my career,” stated Muth. “He believed in me and helped start me gain confidence in myself and in my game.

“Ed Stinner, one of my Whitehall softball coaches, is another positive influence in my career, when he started to believe in my abilities at a young age and always stuck with me to improve my skills and focus in softball.”

Muth, one of six seniors, saw her final season as a special one. She will be attending Monmouth University this upcoming Fall and majoring in Elementary Education.”

“Our chemistry was unique, no matter what,” boasted Muth. “We stuck together and had each other’s back through any play or call during this season.”