By Don Ketchum

No one can tell Terryn Popham that she is not dedicated to her schoolwork and playing softball.

Her schedule this week is a prime example.

Classes at Flagstaff Coconino are not finished, and so the senior is taking final exams.

She had two on Tuesday (June 5), drove to Tempe for practice at McClintock High for the Division II North All-Star Team, which plays the South on Wednesday (June 6) at Gilbert Mesquite High. She returned to Flagstaff immediately after the workout and was scheduled to have two more exams on Wednesday before driving back to the Valley for the 5:30 p.m. game.

Then on Friday (June 8), she will participate in the graduation ceremony, in the top 15 percent of her class.

“I’m busy, but it is fun,’’ said Popham, who had math and government-economics tests on Tuesday and will have English and art on Wednesday.

The second baseman and shortstop is looking forward to playing in the All-Star Game. The Division II game will be followed by the Division I game.

“I am excited to show other people my talent,’’ she said. “It is an honor to play against the top performers around the state because the coaches make the nominations.’’

Popham’s coach at Coconino, Kimberly Dennis, is the North All-Star coach. Dennis was the former coach at Flagstaff Sinagua before that school closed, and she applied for and got the Coconino job.

Dennis had coached against Popham for two years, and one of her first thoughts about taking over at Coconino “was that I wouldn’t have to do that anymore. She would be on my team.’’

Another Coconino player, outfielder-first baseman Jourdan Kinnison, was selected for the North team but likely will not be able to play due to a scheduling conflict.

Dennis learned quickly that Popham “had a huge work ethic, great character. She was someone you never would have to worry about.

“She knows how to play but is never satisfied. She doesn’t take anything for granted.’’

The 5-foot-2 Popham was on the varsity all four years. Her first two years were spent as a third baseman. She moved to shortstop as a junior when the regular shortstop was injured and played there the entire season. She moved again as a senior, this time to second base, playing most of the year there before moving back to short due to another injury late in the season.

The adjustments haven’t been all that difficult, Popham said, “because we practice at other positions in the summer (she played on a travel team from Camp Verde) and in practice for the high school team.’’

Popham’s mother, Tari, was a softball coach, and Terryn became permanently linked to the sport.

“Softball is more of a challenge than some of the other sports,’’ Popham said. “You are never fully at perfection, and you keep trying to get it.’’

Because of her size, she said, it is obvious “that I am not a home-run hitter. I am a singles hitter. I lead off or hit second (in the order), try to get on base whatever way I can.’’

Popham will continue to play softball in junior college, at Glendale Community.