The Lady Rams and upcoming senior Aaliyah Parsons have put in the work this summer as she looks to end her Newton career with a long playoff run.

Parsons is set for her final year with the Lady Rams after a stellar junior season.

Across 27 games, Parsons led the team with a .378 batting average, 28 hits, 21 RBIs and 12 extra-base hits.

By season’s end, Parsons was named to the First Team for Region 4-AAAAAA, but that was not all.

This February, Parsons received an offer to play softball at Johnson C. Smith University.

As the team battles through the heat and the construction, Parsons has liked the progress so far this summer.

“I feel like we have been working hard so far,” Parsons said. “We haven't had many days off so I feel like we are putting in a lot of work and improving as a team.”

Now as a senior, the leadership role is something Parsons has been intentional about.

“I think I want to work more on being more of a leader and talking more,” Parsons said. “Picking up my team more. I want to improve myself as a player [on both] offense and defense.”

Although Parsons noted how the team likes to joke and bring enjoyment out of practices, she still makes sure that everyone is staying on top of their development this summer.

“I think [we are] being intentional about being serious,” Parsons said. “The jokingness does catch up to us, so I feel it takes people's attention away from the game. I think we need to focus more on being serious.”

As a Lady Ram, Parsons has spent most of her time at first base and in the outfield, the same spot she plans to play as a senior.

With over a month left until the first pitch of the season, Parsons spoke about what she is enjoying the most with softball right now.

“My favorite thing is the bonding,” Parsons said. “Just having fun with each other and making friends and having fun with the game.”