of White Bear has been playing ball ever since she can remember. Beginning with t-ball, her skills and love of the sport have developed exponentially over the years and this has led the young athlete to making the Southeast Regional Hawks Bantam Girls Fastpitch coached by Mark Johnson (Kennedy, SK) out of Langbank, while also training for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in hopes of making Team Saskatchewan.
The pitcher/short stop attributes much of her success to her family and explained her father, Carl Standingready, has been a large influence.
"My dad taught me how to throw and bat when I was younger," Carlie said.
"He told me everything he knew about the game."
From the grass roots of being introduced to the sport through her father, Carlie quickly excelled as she began to play out of Carlyle competitively under Carlyle Minor Ball. These experiences with different coaches and teammates have helped Carlie develop giving her solid foundations that have led to new opportunities.
Knowing Carlie is adept at ball and fosters a deep love for the sport, Sheri Cappo, Carlie's aunt, let the family know about tryouts with the Southeast Hawks based in Langbank. The SE Hawks are then involved with the Regina Bantam 'A' Girls Softball League, while also attending various tournaments throughout the summer.
Initially she simply tried out for the team in September, just to see what it would offer; but, she quickly found a passion for the sport that had slightly waned.
"I just tried out for the team to see what it was about," Carlie explained. "I wasn't that serious about softball until then. I wasn't going to play actually because I was too busy with volleyball already, but then I had fun and realized how much fun I had playing again."
"So, I'm grateful my aunty told me about the team."
Carlie is now excited to learn from Johnson and his coaching staff, while also being excited to play with the rest of the girls on the team from across the southeast.
In addition to playing with the SE Hawks, Carlie's mother, Sandra Lonechild was made aware of tryouts for Team Saskatchewan's NAIG to be held in Regina this summer.
Though this team has not been fully selected, Carlie is hoping to prove herself during the training camps currently in progress. With 20 girls working for 12 spots Carlie is determined to do her best and whether she makes the team or not is thankful for the experience thus far. An official roster will be created in May, but the girls will meet in Saskatoon once a month for training camps.
The camps are being held with the 20 girls, so the coaches are able to make their final decisions after seeing the players' skills and how they work together.
Dedicated to both teams she is determined to do her best and leave everything she has on the diamond.
With the support of her friends, teammates and coaches (past and present), as well as her family, Carlie has been propelled forward into these new adventures.
"Playing with all these teams is amazing and I'm thankful for all my coaches and the players I played with since I started," Carlie stated. "I learned a lot."
"Also, I'm extremely thankful for my mom and dad, for all they've helped me with. I wouldn't be where I am today without them, along with the rest of my family with their support towards me. It's awesome to have them watch me play every game."
