THE FRONT ROW WITH BRUCE BOURQUIN: Friday, May 8, 2015

For anyone who has visited 4th and Main Pizza in Spirit Lake, they may have been served by a certain 17-year-old Timberlake High senior who at times works in the back. During the past 4 1/2 years, she has worked in various positions, including the front counter as a cashier.

KATIE MALLOY is that person and she is the daughter of Randi and Jess Malloy, who for the past 12 years have owned the business. Oh and by the way, Katie is a three-time all-Intermountain League outfielder and power hitter for the Tigers.

"I worked the back side and all the positions," Katie said of working at the pizza business. "I help my brother, Josh, dress the pizza. His birthday is Friday (today). He was a state champion in track and field in 2007 and he played football at Timberlake."

In 2007, Josh was part of a sprint medley relay team that won the state 3A track and field championship, with a time of 3 minutes, 39.58 seconds. He also competed in the long jump and triple jump.

Working at the place since she was 13, Malloy picked up quite a few things along the way that she's been able to translate to high school, both academically and athletically. She's grown up in Spirit Lake and was born in Spokane Valley. A four-year varsity softball player who primarily plays center field and hits fourth or fifth in the batting order, and a volleyball player, she has a 3.95 cumulative grade-point average. At the state competition in Boise, she also helped Timberlake qualify for this year's Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference, currently going on in Anaheim, Calif.

"I learned a lot of my people skills there," Malloy said of working at the pizza joint. "I learned how to be put in awkward situations for high school. I like to be busy."

MIKE MENTI, Timberlake softball coach, has seen Malloy develop quite a bit during the past few years.

"She's a quiet leader, she's been a great kid," Menti said. "The thing about Katie is she's always been consistent. I like to try to get as many kids in front of her (in the lineup). She's solid in everything. She's got great speed, good wheels. She's got a cannon of an arm; not too many opponents run on her. She works hard and that says a lot about her character."

MALLOY PLANS to stay busy after high school, and her number one college choice for now is Idaho State University.

"Right now, my plan is to major in chemistry," Malloy said. "I want to get into forensic science. I like CSI, the original show."

Her backup school is attending Spokane Community College, where her older cousin, sophomore Sydnie Malloy, plays as a shortstop for the Community Colleges of Spokane. Sydnie has hit .444 going into today, second on the team, and her 24 runs scored also ranks second on the squad.

"My first experience watching softball was when I was eight years old," Katie said. "I was going to one of her Little League softball games and said, 'I want to try this.' Once I hit high school, I was her teammate during my freshman and sophomore seasons."

One of Katie's most memorable events came toward the end of her sophomore season.

"It was the district championship game against Priest River," Malloy said. "With two outs, I hit a three-run home run to finish the game."

Timberlake (13-11) played Kellogg on Thursday in a loser-out game and on Tuesday, the Tigers lost 15-4 to Bonners Ferry at home.

"I want to play the best I can," Malloy said of trying to reach this year's state tournament. "Our team is a state qualifier. I gave them a goal. I want to see their heart and their drive to get to state."

A funny fact was Malloy was teased a little bit about her swing, which has led the team in extra-base hits.

"I've been told that when it comes to hitting, I have one of the laziest-looking swings," Malloy said. "My coaches and multiple teammates have told me that."

Other than that swing, this hard-working Timberlake Tiger has been anything but lazy.

Bruce Bourquin is a sports writer at The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2013 or via e-mail at bbourquin@cdapress.com. He can be followed on Twitter @bourq25