Rebecca Randall works hard during her sports and academics with high hopes of taking her game to the next level.
Photo by Kiera Classen
Throughout her high school career Becca Randall has made an impact by setting records and making herself a name at Thomas Jefferson.
Becca came to TJ her sophomore year from Saint Mary’s Academy. She said that her family was supposed to move, and it would have been easier to switch from TJ to an out-of-state school, due to St. Mary’s being a private school with a non standard system. Her house ended up not selling, but her parents, and she, wanted to stay and graduate from TJ. “TJ also had better sports,” added Becca. Her sister, Shelby, also attended TJ and graduated in 2011. “It was fun—for the most part—going to school with my sister,” said Becca.
Becca was just recently named Most Athletic for her senior title in the Aristocrat Yearbook. Since being at TJ, she has lettered in four sports: volleyball, softball, basketball, and track. When Becca first came to TJ, she played volleyball in the fall. When she played, she had to swing between Junior Varsity and Varsity due to the CHSAA transfer rules, even though it was her second year playing volleyball; her first being a freshman at St. Mary’s, where she also swung. “I was the first freshman to play in a varsity game in [St. Mary’s] history,” said Becca.
Going into her junior year, Becca became motivated to play softball. “During basketball season [sophomore year], [Coach Kyler] Jackson convinced me to try softball out during the summer season. When I started playing I knew that I found my new love,” said Becca, who has been a remarkable player. Her first year playing, she hit 12 home runs, which was the highest in the state, and broke the career home run record at TJ. She was named to the first team All-League both years, and was also named All-State. She was supposed to be playing in the All-State senior game, where the best 72 seniors in the state will be put on teams and play against each other, on November 6th, but due to the weather, the game was canceled.
Not only has Jackson taught and coached her, but he also influenced her to be the best she could be. “He pushed me to my fullest potential in basketball and introduced me to softball; and without him, I wouldn’t be the player I am today,” said Becca.
This past season, Becca was a senior captain on the team, and took on the responsibility of a leader and a good teammate. “Becca was a great teammate who was always ready to help. She cheered us up when we needed her, and she made us laugh every single day, whether we were winning or losing. I never saw a smile leave her face, and that is one thing I absolutely love about her,” teammate and fellow Senior Daniela Cardona says about Becca.
As her coach, Jackson has watched Becca strive for greatness in both sports. “She is both an aggressive and intense player in both softball and basketball,” says Jackson. Becca has been a member of the Lady Spartan Hoop Squad since her sophomore year, when again she had to swing due to CHSAA transfer rules, but that was no obstacle for her to overcome. That year, Becca was named Honorable Mention All-League, and last year she was named second team All-League. She was the leading scorer with 170 points, and she led the team in rebounds. “This year, it’s my senior year and I’m leaving everything on the court,” Becca says confidently. Her first game was on November 30th, at Thomas Jefferson against Manual.
Come spring, Becca is considering participating in track and field where she will throw the shot-put and javelin. “I want to prepare my arm for college softball,” said Becca. This isn’t her first time participating in track and field; during her sophomore year, Becca ran in the four by two in one track meet, the District Meet, and came in second place.
A few months ago, Randall was at a graduation party playing football when she was running and stepped in a hole, twisting her ankle. This injury cost her the entire summer softball season. Once released by her doctor to play during the fall season, Becca didn’t let her injury stop her. She said she spent the season “retraining” her ankle so she could play her best. Although she said her ankle can still be painful, Becca will nonetheless be participating in her sports. “I’m not going to let a setback like this ruin my dream. It’s only just a speed bump,” said Becca.
In addition, Randall has proven that she is an outstanding student. She is taking one Advanced Placement class, and has maintained a 3.6 GPA with mostly As in her schedule. Her plans to further her education are dominant in her mind. She applied to Baylor University, Colorado State University, Hastings College, University of Kansas, and San Francisco State University. “I either want to go to CSU, Hastings, or KU,” states Becca. The talented athlete received a softball scholarship to Hastings. She also says she intends to study sports medicine.
Juggling school and athletics is already challenging enough, but Becca added a job to the fire. “Because I manage school, sports, and work, I don’t have much time for personal stuff, but that’s a risk I am willing to take,” says Becca, who has maintained a job at the Dairy Queen on Colorado Boulevard for a year and a half. “It’s a good job with good people who makes it fun,” says Becca. She also enjoys just sitting back and relaxing with her friends. “The best is when a few softball friends and I have our movie night. We always have a great time,” said Becca smiling.
Like many other teenagers, Becca has goals. When she first started high school, Becca had the goal that she wanted to make a name for herself; something that would make her stand out. “I definitely met that goal,” Becca says, laughing. Now that she is getting ready to leave high school, her goal has changed. “Going into college, I want to excel more in softball and academics than I did in high school.”
