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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Graduation Doesn’t Keep Tabish Away

Mentor, player, cabinet maker.

Jennifer Tabish is all three, although she figured on being just one.

Tabish loves softball. After graduating from Central Valley High School last year, she was prepared to play catcher for Community Colleges of Spokane.

Alas, a financial aid messup that still baffles Tabish blocked her from attending school.

Tabish turned her attention to other matters. She and twin sister Heather moved into their own place. Jennifer, known by most people as Jen, started earning money.

One of her jobs is with the Athletic Round Table Bingo on weekends. That’s a fairly standard job for a 19-year-old.

Another endeavor is with father Rocky at R.T. Custom Cabinets. Yes, Tabish builds cabinets.

This spring she’s building something else - a softball program. One year out of high school, she is one of CV’s assistant coaches.

Tabish even gets paid for what is generally a volunteer position. Junior varsity coach Jamie Kent agreed to split her salary if Tabish was hired.

“It’s not big pay, but it’s something I like to do and the experience is good for someone my age,” Tabish said.

The softball position interview, as can be expected, focused on Tabish’s age. She wasn’t considered old enough.

“They asked me if these girls would look up to someone they used to play with,” Tabish said.

Tabish replied that she was a former team captain who had already garnered plenty of respect. She landed the job.

“That’s not easy to do,” said CV varsity coach Kenny Haynes. “Last year she was their friend. This year she can’t be their friend until after practice.”

Tabish’s main duties are with the JV team, but Haynes has her offer pointers with varsity catchers and pitchers.

Few of the CV players who showed up for the first day of practice knew that Tabish would be involved with the program.

The players laughed at first, then realized how exciting it would be to have Tabish back for another year.

“They’re happy to have someone young here,” Tabish said. “Plus, I can help them because I know the returning GSL players.”

Tabish has worked previously with elementary and junior high school players, but as an umpire instead of a coach.

Being on the field whets Tabish’s appetite for a return to competitive softball.

“I plan to play softball for the rest of my life,” she said.

Tabish will join a women’s modified team this summer. She said five of her teammates will be from the CCS team.

Tabish hopes to meet with CCS coach Jerry Skaife and find a way to play for the Sasquatch next season.

One of Tabish’s biggest fans is her twin sister. The two are linked in some eerie ways.

Once after a game, Heather asked Jennifer how sore her injury was. Jennifer hadn’t realized that she had been hurt, but when she changed out of her uniform the evidence was there.

Heather played softball until her junior high years, when juvenile rheumatoid arthritis forced her to cut back. She’s doing well now and attending college.

Jennifer just hopes to join her sister in higher education.