Softball Player Participates in Home Run Derby, Raises $1,100

On the weekend of August 30 and 31, Riley Anderson ’26 participated in the inaugural CT A Shot For Life Home Run Derby to raise money for brain cancer research. She was selected in the summer from the best high school softball players in the state. Despite her predictions that she wouldn’t hit any home runs, she hit three in warm-ups and two in the competition. She personally raised over $1,100, and the team as a whole raised over $75,000. 

When Anderson walked up to the plate at Highland Park in Hartford for the state’s first-ever softball Home Run Derby fundraiser, she wasn’t thinking about hitting it out of the park. She was thinking about the bigger purpose behind her swing—supporting cancer research.

“I honestly wasn’t confident at all that I would hit home runs,” Anderson said with a laugh. “Before this event, I had only hit one in my life. But I felt proud just to be there, to raise money, and to be part of something bigger than myself.”

What followed came as a surprise even to her – Anderson connected again and again, sending balls flying.

Anderson’s softball story didn’t begin in the usual way. Unlike many kids who start in T-ball, she entered the sport later, in third grade. Because her small town didn’t have enough players to field teams at every age level, she had to “play up.”

“It was definitely intimidating,” Anderson remembered. “At my very first practice, my coach hit a line drive right at me. I didn’t even know how to use a glove yet—it bounced right off and hit me in the eye. I got a black eye on day one! Not the best start. But something told me to stick with it, and I’m glad I did.”

That persistence has fueled her career ever since. Today, Anderson plays outfield in KO’s varsity softball team and also competes at a higher level with the Western Mass Heat, a travel team out of Massachusetts. Travel play gives her opportunities to face tougher competition and gain exposure at college showcases.

When Anderson came to KO in eighth grade, she wasn’t able to play right away because of health challenges. Watching from the sidelines gave her a perspective on how far the program has come.

“Back then, the level of play wasn’t what it is today,” she said. “It was still a good environment, but now the competition has really stepped up. Playing against some of the best teams in the state has made a huge difference. The intensity of those games brings so much emotion—it’s exciting.”

When Anderson was invited to participate in the Home Run Derby fundraiser, she jumped at the chance.

“Someone from the organization actually reached out to me through Instagram,” she explained. “They told me it was for cancer research, and that was really the biggest thing for me. Cancer is a terrible disease. I’ve been fortunate not to have it affect my family directly, but I have friends whose families have gone through it. Anything I can do to help—of course, I wanted to be involved.”

Although not a big home run hitter, Anderson made up for it this past weekend. With her dad pitching to her—“He hasn’t thrown to me in a while, so by the three-minute mark, we were both pretty tired,” Anderson said. She found her rhythm and began slamming ball after ball. A judge from the organization stood in the outfield and determined if the ball was deemed a home run.

“There were 20 of us competing, some of the best softball players in the state, and it was amazing to be included in that group,” she said. 

Winning wasn’t really the point for Anderson. It was about raising funds and awareness, having fun, and growing through the experience.

“I met so many people,” she said. “Now, when I play games later this season, I’ll recognize some of them. That’s one of the best parts.”

As for beyond KO, Anderson may continue playing softball in college, depending on how she balances athletics and her health. But above all, she’s clear that academics will remain the priority. Reflecting on the event, her advice to others is simple: “If you’re ever given an opportunity like this, go for it. It’s for a great cause, and it’s a fun time.”