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Savanna Fowler proved herself to be an important contributor to the Central High School varsity softball team last season as a junior who was playing on the varsity squad for the first time.

She was expected to continue to make an impact in her senior season, but the COVID-19 pandemic stepped in the way.

“It has definitely been hard to take all of it in,” she said. “Just knowing that I have gone to Central for the last time as a student is crazy. Softball is a passion of mine, so having that ripped away before it even started this year was heartbreaking.”

She said she remembers the exact moment the governor announced that students would not be going back this school year.

“My heart dropped and the whole world stopped for a minute, and then I just broke down in tears,” she said. “I texted my assistant coach, Lisa Word, and one of the other seniors, Aaliyah Alexander, and we talked for a while, and I cried some more.”

There are two primary things Fowler is missing right now by not being on the diamond with her teammates.

“I miss the sport more than anything because it’s my passion, but I also miss the people,” she said. “I was gaining relationships with the younger players that I had never played with, and those relationships are just over.”

But Fowler’s contribution to the Lady Chargers will be remembered. Head Coach Karen McGrath said she always hit the ball well, and her glove was quite dependable.

“Her junior year she started as a designated hitter because of her ability to hit the ball deep and move runners and score runs,” the coach said. “Halfway through her junior season, she was our starting first baseman and continued to hit well for the team.”

McGrath said while Fowler did not receive district or regional recognition, she was clutch, making significant plays that helped the team win close games.

Given the chance to put the lost 2020 season in perspective, Fowler may still have sadness, but she has been able to look on the bright side.

“I have now sat back and made myself realize that everything happens for a reason, and I have more time to get stuff together for college,” she said.

She will be attending East Carolina University to major in exercise physiology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.