Walker takes powerful lead role for Schaumburg
Elaine Walker served as the leadoff batter for Schaumburg's 31-2 softball team this spring.
She relished that spot in the order.
"I like leading off because I get to start of the game," Walker said. "And it can be exciting."
Oh, how it can, when the first batter is Walker.
All the senior catcher did from the No. 1 spot was knock a state-tying record 24 home runs out of the park and helped lead the Saxons to their finest season in school history.
The captain of the Daily Herald's Northwest all-area team, tied Taylor Odom (Goreville High School), who hit 24 home runs in 2012.
Walker also batted .569 this spring with a team-high 60 hits, 58 RBI and 11 doubles.
"Elaine has had an amazing senior year," said Schaumburg coach Ellen Abreu whose team won a record 30 straight games before finally falling to St. Charles North 3-2 in 9 innings in the game in which Walker hit her 24th homer.
That blast also gave the Saxons the record for most home runs (66) by a team in a single season. Benet set the former record of 65 just last season.
Walker never imagined to be mentioned in the same breath with the top sluggers in IHSA history.
"I never thought that I would be one of the best home run hitters in the state because I just always try to hit line drives," she said. "If it happens to go out, then it's a bonus. I always would get a few home runs each season but this year they just seemed to go out more often."
Behind the plate, Walker caught for junior pitcher Paige Alt (21-1) and senior Shannon Felde (10-1), who are headed to play for Georgia Coastal and Illinois State.
"She does a tremendous job behind the plate," Abreu said. "And her silent leadership has helped guide this team to many great victories this season."
In one victory at Hoffman Estates, Walker belted 4 home runs.
"She is definitely making her mark in the IHSA record books this season," Abreu said.
As a child, Walker could hardly help but enter the world of sports.
"When my parents were little they both played sports and so did all my uncles and aunts," she said. "So when I was little I got put into the Schaumburg Athletic Association softball, basketball, and soccer leagues."
Walker began playing SAA softball at the age of five and was competing in travel softball at nine.
As a youngster, she grew up admiring White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko.
"I remember watching him in the 2005 World Series hitting a grand slam in Game 2 to win the game," she said. "I thought that was cool. He is someone that I looked up to. He always played with heart and that is something that I try to do."
Walker has had plenty of support throughout her career.
"My mom and dad were always taking me to all my games and practices," she said. "And they never gave up on me through all the good and bad. My brother Ryan is also a great athletic supporter. Also all my uncles and aunts. My Poppy is always my biggest fan and critic.
"And then all my coaches over the years helped me throughout my career."
She enjoys her job behind the plate, as well.
"My favorite part of catching is being able to see the whole field at all times and being in almost every play," she added.
Next year, those plays will be for the Aurora University softball team.
"Elaine will be a great contribution to the Aurora program next season," Abreu said.
Don't be surprised if she contributes a few homers.