Faith Shirbroun prefers to live for the now while not putting any thought towards the future when it comes to herself.

But for the time being, it is impossible to ignore the mark the St. Edmond senior is leaving on the school’s softball record book.

Shirbroun currently sits in first place in four major offensive hitting categories and is second in three others as the third-ranked (Class 1A) Gaels look to secure a fifth consecutive North Central Conference title and fourth straight appearance at the state tournament this summer.

No previous St. Edmond group has reached the elite eight field four years in a row, as Shirbroun was part of the first to make it three straight last season. The Gaels advanced to the semifinals for the second consecutive time, placing fourth.

“Never in a million years,” Shirbroun said. “I am a very in the moment person when it comes to softball. I try not to look ahead at things but rather be present, so I never thought I could break as many school records as I have.

“I think it is super cool as an athlete to work hard and see the best you can be. Myself and many of my teammates have put in so much work that people don’t see so it’s great that all that work can pay off. I have no doubt those records will be broken even more in the future years.”

Heading into Friday’s game at Clear Lake, Shirbroun has reset the career home run record, blasting 31. Her most recent was a go-ahead two-run shot at Rogers Park in a 5-4 win over Webster City. She is also first in runs scored (206), doubles (55) and total bases (377).

With a handful of regular season games remaining before regionals start, Shirbroun is second behind Lauren Gibb for career RBI with 134. Gibb, who played at Iowa Central this past year and has committed to Aquinas College, drove in 137.

She is also second to Gibb in career hits by five and second to University of Iowa star Mariah Myers for walks. Shirbroun sits tied for sixth with nine career triples.

“I have had so much fun as a Gael,” she said. “I think what makes it so fun is truly the amazing community we have. In every sport, the community shows up and shows out and that makes it so much more fun to get to play as a Gael.”

As the long senior, she has taken on a new role within the team and program.

“I am definitely hard on my team, I don’t let things slide and I call them out when I need to,” Shirbroun said. “Being the only senior comes with a lot of pressure, and sometimes, I feel like I put too much on my team or on certain players. With that being said, they listen to what is being told to them and work even harder because of it. I am definitely hard on them, but knowing that it will benefit them in the long run means I am doing something right.”

Shirbroun has also been able to share each and every moment with her father, Bill, who is the head coach.

“It has been memorable for sure,” she said. “There of course have been many ups and downs and fights every once in awhile, but in the end, I think it has greatly benefited me because he will push me forward even when I don’t even know if I can.

“Knowing that he is always there for me has been something I have taken for granted but I will truly cherish as I go off to college.”

Shirbroun has committed to play softball at Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Seahawks finished this past season ranked 15th in the country while reaching the NAIA National Tournament.

Along with softball, Shirbroun has been involved in volleyball and track at St. Edmond.

“I hope I leave a legacy that people remember me as a serious player, yet still loving the game of softball,” she said.

Vacation destination: Paris.

People I would like to have dinner with: Jesus, Ella Langley.

It would surprise people that I: do my own nails.

My sports role model:

Mariah Myers.

My everyday role model: Jesus.

I can’t go a day without: Duolingo.

Nickname: Faithie.

Superstition: Only re-wearing ribbon colors that I play well in.

Most heated rivalry: all of our conference games.

Favorite road trip: Canada.

What are you listening to right now? Ella Langley.

What is your go to song? “Low Lights” by Ella Langley.

Favorites…

Team: St. Edmond Gaels.

Athlete: Mariah Myers.

Class: Biology.

Movie: Grinch (animated version).

Binge watch: Gilmore Girls.

Phone app: Text messages.