Originally published April 11, 2015 at 5:08 PM | Page modified April 11, 2015 at 5:24 PM

RENTON Sydney Hopper has enjoyed heroic moments in softball.

Winning hits at the plate, game-saving strikeouts in the pitching circle.

She is a key reason Liberty High School of Renton started the season 7-0 before recent back-to-back losses to Lake Washington.

But its the way Hopper conducts herself off the field that causes others to look up to her.

She believes in giving back. So, in addition to playing softball and carrying a rigorous academic schedule (with a 3.99 GPA), the 18-year-old senior volunteers to help others in a variety of programs, including two dealing with special needs youth Camp Casey and Athletes for Kids.

Freshman Jessie Tappan, who has ADHD and is developmentally delayed, is in her second year as Hoppers buddy through Athletes for Kids, and the two share a tight bond. Tappans smile in a photo with Hopper taken before a Liberty football game last fall tells you how much her mentor means to her. And Hoppers smile is even bigger.

Theyre relationship is awesome, said Jessies mother, Lori Tappan. Jessie doesnt do things with her peers, so Sydney gives her that bonding relationship that she lacks ... Sydney has taken her to school sporting events which Jessie would normally not have the opportunity to do. Im impressed that Sydney does these things with Jessie. Many kids her age wouldnt even think of helping or hanging out with special-needs children.

Hopper considers herself fortunate to have many role models in her life, so this is a way to pay it forward.

Ive had a lot of people in my life that have really helped me out, that have been mentors for me, she said. I really do think I have the best parents in the world. They have supported everything Ive done, and coaches Ive had, teachers, friends Ive just had so many supportive people around me, and Im really grateful for that. So, I wanted to be that for other people.

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Libertys Sydney Hopper excels on and off field