For Pittsburg High School junior Brilee Mantooth, being involved on campus goes beyond the softball diamond. “I love all of the different clubs and activities you can be involved in at PHS because there is always something that will spark your interest,” she said. Balancing athletics and academics, she’s found her stride in the classroom too. “I am in 11th grade, and my favorite subject is history.”

Softball, however, has been at the heart of her life for as long as she can remember. “I have been playing softball since I was four years old and I play first base,” Mantooth explained. That position has become her home, but she admits she wouldn’t mind trying out another spot on the field. “If I could play any other position, it would be third base.”

Competition is something she thrives on, and for her, rivalries add extra motivation. “I always look forward to playing Fort Scott because they are our team rivals and are always good competition,” she said.

Part of what makes the game special for Mantooth is the energy inside the dugout. “The loudest teammate would have been Hailey Ingerson which was our center fielder,” she shared. And while every team needs intensity, they also need balance. “The person who could make anyone laugh was Megan Johnston, the most serious would be Emily Shriver and the person I think has the best impression of our coach would be Brett Pasteur.”

At the plate, she keeps her approach simple and focused. “My thought process is to relax and have my front foot and hands towards the ball.”

Her biggest inspiration, though, comes from home. “The person who has been a big influence in my life would be my mom because she has always taught me to always try your best in anything you do, and she also demonstrates that throughout her own life.”

As she looks ahead, her goals remain clear. “After I graduate, I would love to play softball at the next level and go to college and major in sports medicine,” Mantooth said.

With her drive, focus, and leadership, Brilee Mantooth is leaving her mark at Pittsburg both in the classroom and on the field.