Sports Locker • January/February 2025 • Addi Doerhoff

On the softball diamond at St. Elizabeth High School, Addison Doerhoff is a force to be reckoned with. A senior this year, Addison has spent the past four years patrolling right field, leading off in the lineup, and setting the tone for her varsity team. Whether she’s slapping, bunting, or diving for a game-changing catch, Addison’s love for softball radiates with every play. “Softball is just the most satisfying sport I’ve ever played. I’ve been playing since kindergarten, and as I got older, I realized I had a natural talent for it. That made me love it even more. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a great play or a solid hit—it’s just pure happiness.”

Addison’s journey to varsity softball wasn’t just about natural ability—it was about dedication. She recalls how her mom, Jennifer, and her aunt encouraged her to challenge herself by playing travel ball before her junior year. That summer, under her aunt’s guidance with the Comets, Addison’s skills soared. “My aunt and my mom believed in me when I didn’t even know what I was capable of. That summer changed everything for me.”

Her senior year brought incredible highlights, including a pivotal diving catch during a tournament championship game against the Jefferson City Jays. “The bases were loaded, and I made the diving catch to end the inning. It felt amazing to help my team win that game.” Plays like these earned her All-District, All-Region, and a spot on the All-State second team—a testament to her skill and determination. But Addison’s love for the game goes beyond stats and accolades. For her, it’s about the camaraderie. “My teammates make everything better. From practices to bus rides, we’re always joking around. It’s like having a second family.”

Her real family has played a huge role in shaping who she is. Addison credits her grandpa, Dean Luetkemeyer, with instilling a work ethic she carries onto the field. “I started working with him on the farm when I was about 12 or 13. He taught me how to drive a tractor and so much more. He showed me that hard work pays off.” Her mom is also a constant source of inspiration. “Before every game, she sends me a text reminding me to have fun and believe in myself. It’s like my secret weapon for handling pressure.” Her dad, Wesley, and younger sister, Chloe, have always been in her corner, cheering her on. “Even though Chloe isn’t into sports, she’s always been supportive—like when she’d set up a tee for me when we were younger.”

Addison’s hitting coach, Trevor Luetkemeyer, also deserves a shoutout. “Trevor’s the reason my swing took off. He always knows exactly what to tweak, and his advice to ‘stay loose, loose, loose’ is something I think about every time I’m at the plate.” Looking back on her high school career, Addison hopes to leave a legacy her younger sister and cousins can chase. “We made it to state and won. I want them to remember that and feel inspired to go even further.”

Addison’s parents sum it up best: “She’s developed such a strong work ethic over the years. Watching her excel at softball and enjoy it so much has been amazing. We’ll miss seeing her out there, but we’re so excited to see what she does next.”

As Addison steps off the diamond for the last time as a St. Elizabeth High School athlete, she does so with no regrets. “Softball has given me everything—confidence, joy, and lifelong memories. I’m ready for the next inning, but this game will always be part of me.” In the end, Addison’s story isn’t just about batting averages or diving catches. It’s about heart, hustle, and hitting life out of the park.