Madison's Roni Flores, others enjoy one final softball game with parent coaches

ADRIAN — Madison's Roni Flores got one last memory on the softball field last week in the annual Lenawee County All-Star game at Siena Heights.

With her Rawlings team holding onto a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh and a runner on first, the Trojans four-year star infielder made a diving stop to keep the tying run on second, and from potentially scoring, before getting to her feet and making the throw to first for the second out.

The next batter for the Wilson team hit a grounder to first for an easy third out to secure the win.

"I've played softball since I can't even remember," Flores said. Probably since before kindergarten. It's hard leaving, but I'm glad I got to end it this way."

Flores along with 21 other local softball seniors, donned her high school uniform for the last time. For Flores, and many others, it would be the last time in a competitive game as only a few will be playing at the next level.

For Flores, wearing the Madison uniform meant a little more than it has for others. This was her father, Bill Flores' 10th season leading the Trojans varsity softball team.

"I just think back to how much he's done for me," Roni said. "I wouldn't be where I'm at without him."

Roni will be heading to the University of Michigan where she wants to get into nursing, like her mother.

"I'm kind of following in her footsteps," she said. "I've had this passion to go into nursing since I was little and going to Michigan is a dream school that I never thought would be true."

Her father is going to miss her on the field for Madison, but he couldn't be prouder of the path she's going on.

"I'm excited about what her plans are for the future," he said. "As far as missing her on the diamond, yeah I'm going to miss her. She got a direct admit into the nursing program."

The Rawlings team had three daughters of head coaches.

Clinton's Kendall Phillip earned MVP honors playing for her mother, Kim Phillip, one last time in a Clinton uniform. Adrian's Ciara Ernst played for her dad Toby Ernst the last two seasons for the Maples.

The Wilson team also had twins Lexi and Laci Patterson of Addison, who played for their uncle Justin Patterson these last four years.

"It was bittersweet," Kendall Phillip said. "That's really the big word to describe this whole experience. As her being my high school coach, it's sad, that's been my entire life. Every last time she gets to coach me has been nice to share that experience with her."

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Madison's Roni Flores, others enjoy one final softball game with parent coaches