MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT/EASTERN RECRUITING REGION PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - -- Two Marines from the depot are on their way to the fun and sun of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.
The two Marines were chosen to be part of the All-Marine Women's Softball Team that concluded its tryouts July 25.
Cpl. Kristin M. Taft and Capt. Mary Flatley both won spots on the team for the first time as the field of hopefuls was cut to 15. For the two, appointment to the team was unexpected, yet stressful.
"I was nervous," said Taft. "The coach pulled us in one-by-one and talked to us. Then, he made the announcement after rounding up the final 15.
"Everyone kept telling me not to be nervous."
While Taft secured a spot on the team as a back-up pitcher, Flatley won the starting nod for the team.
"It's a lot of responsibility, but I feel stoked to have won a spot on the starting team" said Flatley.
Now that they are on the team, focus turns to getting the job done at the Armed Forces Championships held Aug 5 through 9.
"We've been told we look like the Army's children," said Taft. "Size wise, we're the smallest team there. We're pretty confident. We feel we have the skills to beat anyone."
With the team giving up an average of nearly five inches per player to the Army team, the team has turned to their strengths to get them through.
"We're a base-hitting team," said Flatley. "If we stick to what we do best and eliminate mistakes, we should come out good."
The time spent on the team working up to the tournament has left both women with an overwhelming sense of trust and admiration for their teammates.
"Everyone has gotten really close to one another and learned how to play with each other," said Flatley.
The ability to take that trust to the playing field will be key their success in Florida.
On the pitcher's mound, it's important to trust your team, said Flatley."I know they'll back me up out there."
After the tournament, the two will return to the depot and resume their everyday activities at their workstations after nearly a month of "vacation."
For now, though, their shops will have to do without them for one more week.
"They can do it," said Taft. "They're going to have to."