McLean catcher Bella Norton signed a letter of intent to play softball at Indiana University. Photo by Craig Sterbutzel.
A snowstorm caused Fairfax County Public Schools to cancel classes and athletic events for more than a week. Some areas received more than 20 inches of snow during the weekend, according to the National Weather Service, creating a break from competition for local high school athletes.
McLean catcher and Indiana softball signee Bella Norton shared her storm experience via email with The Connection.
Q: In what city do you live?
A: I live in McLean.
Q: How did the amount of snowfall in your neighborhood compare to what you thought would fall?
A: I did not think it would go over 20 inches, but when I walked outside it was over my knees! It's pretty crazy. I won’t be going out anytime soon (as of Sunday night).
Q: What, if any, preparations did you and your family make for the storm?
A: We stocked up on food BIG time, and did as much shopping as we possibly could. We have nine people in our household. It's a lot of mouths to feed. We also got candles, lighters, flashlights and batteries in case the power went out.
Q: What did you do to pass the time during the storm?
A: I went through old photos and videos of our family when we were young, and watched a whole lot of Netflix!
Q: Did you play in the snow? If so, what did you do?
A: Yes! My family and my friends went to our closest elementary school and went sledding.
Q: Do you play a winter sport at McLean?
A: No, I do not play a winter sport, but I am on a big lifting and training schedule (hitting and catching) to get myself prepared to play my last season as a Highlander.
Q: Were you able to exercise/practice during the storm? If so, what did you do?
A: I did softball drills in my house, as much as I could do given the circumstances! But my real workout was shoveling all the snow in our driveway.