Union Grove’s Katie Spinks has a flair for the dramatic.

People are still talking about how the outfielder snagged a potentially game-tying home run in the Lady Wolverine’s GHSA Class AAAAA softball title game against Pope.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime catch, once you consider what was on the line,” said Union Grove coach Rod Pipkin. “When the ball was hit, it looked like it had the distance … it was hit very high, though so I knew Katie could get there.”

As the ball traveled over the fence, Spinks jumped high enough to catch it at its apex. She then descended, collapsing the fence.

Spinks, prostrate, held up her glove with the ball tucked inside to confirm the out.

“Wow! Big heart, she wanted it bad,” said Pipkin. Her teammates almost tackled her.

“The celebration began on the other side of the outfield fence. It was a very emotional time.”

Spink’s impact on the team extends well beyond just that one play, though.

“With her personality, she keeps everyone loose and ready to play,” her skipper said. “It’s hard to be tense and nervous around Katie.”

The lefty co-captain has been the team’s leadoff hitter for the past couple of seasons.

“Her job is to get on base and score runs,” Pipkin noted. “She does this with her speed and intelligence on the base paths.”

That flair comes in handy, too.