When Ella Lisenbee crosses the line and takes her spot at third base for the Harlan Lady Dragons, you can be sure she will be ready to play — 100 percent from the first pitch to the last.
No matter the opponent. No matter the score.
Lisenbee is nearing the end of a high school softball career that ranks among the best in Harlan history, and that rare level of intensity that Lisenbee brings to the field every night is the biggest reason and also why she will continue her career on the next level at the University of Pikeville.
“I know it’s cliche but just thinking that every game could be my last — especially during my senior season,” Lisenbee says of her reason for playing so hard every night. “Wearing Harlan across my chest has meant so much to me. I also feel like my team has had a big impact on that. The girls on that field with me, we push each other every day. We all know what the other one is capable of and if we don’t see them performing to that standard we push them. (Harlan) Coach (David) O (Overbay) is constantly reminding us all that we have a God-given talent, and I genuinely believe that everyone on that team does.”
Lisenbee hit .451 last year with two homers, 28 RBI and 21 steals in 21 attempts. She hit .557 as a sophomore with 49 hits, 28 RBI and seven home runs. She posted a .421 average as a freshman with 32 hits, 13 RBI and three home runs. She is off to a blazing start this season with 10 RBI and six hits in a doubleheader sweep Saturday at Lynn Camp.
Lisenbee is part of a big season class that has helped rebuild the school’s softball program. She is the fourth senior to choose a college, following first baseman Abbi Fields (Alice Lloyd), catcher Addison Jackson (Montreat) and shortstop Ella Farley (Pikeville). Farley and Lisenbee are cousins and will continue playing together on the next level.
“Ella and I both feed off of each other’s passion, too. Once one of us gets going there’s no stopping us,” Lisenbee said. “It’s not an unusual sight to see both of us jumping up and down or running out of the dugout when games get intense, or heck even when they aren’t we’re going to make them intense. I know she’s there to support me and call me out when I’m not doing what I should, and I do the same for her.”
“Ella is another one that has had a major impact of our success. She has the tenacity that it takes to make the play or get the hit that changes the game,” Overbay said. “All these seniors, when they came in as freshmen, have worked tirelessly. We said then we wanted them to be the ones to change the culture, and they have done that. Ella can go to the next level and make an immediate impact and have a very successful career. U-Pike has two (from Harlan) that will make their program better.”
The Lady Dragons’ 14-19 record last year exceeded their win total from the previous three years combined. Harlan also won the first 52nd District Tournament title in school history.
“Junior year we accomplished things that no one at Harlan had accomplished. I’m not satisfied with that though,” Lisenbee said. “Every year my Dad (Harlan assistant coach Scott Lisenbee) gets the softball girls together and has them write down three team goals and three personal goals. Two of my goals are to win All “A” regional and to win another district tournament. Like I said before, Coach O always reminds us that we have a God-given talent to play the game. I believe God gave us the ability to do both of those it’s just what we do with that ability that determines if the goals become a reality. I’m thankful God gave me that talent and I can’t wait to see what else He has in store for me.”
Lisenbee said her father also played a big role in her success.
“Having my dad on the field is also a big factor. He’s constantly pushing me,” Lisenbee said. “We drive to Knoxville about once a week or more for lessons, and he always has this podcast on and I can’t tell you how many quotes and tips he’s stolen from that. Hearing those from my dad and the podcast has helped immensely, and I’ve learned a lot from it. I also have those quotes in the back of my head while I’m playing, I mean I even had one engraved on my bat at one point. It plays a big factor in how I play because those are constantly running through my mind. And having my Dad there to celebrate with and even for him to chew me out when I need it. Jon Dickenson recently took a photo of us celebrating after I hit a triple, and I think that’s a really good representation of what it’s like having him on the field. He’s my biggest cheerleader, but also my biggest critic, and he’s made me into the person and player I am today.
Lisenbee considered several college options before choosing Pikeville.
“I chose Pikeville because it felt like home. Coach (Robert) Staggs was extremely welcoming, and the campus was beautiful,” Lisenbee said. “The academic aspect of Pikeville was also a major factor in my decision. I’m not quite sure what I want my future career to be, but Pikeville gives me an opportunity to explore all of the options I’m looking at.”