Most of them are selfless members of their teams — girls who aren’t as worried about the personal accolades as they are about pushing their softball team toward success.
Rarely do they garner headlines or grab the attention of college recruiters. But make no mistake about it. Unsung individual athletes, coaches and support personnel are vital to their teams. Just about every team has one or two or three folks who are a bit undersized or a step slow, but who set the example of a solid work ethic for their teammates.
Check out this group of the final 10 unsung heroes from schools from the Shreveport-Bossier City area turned in by their coaches. If you’re able to attend one of their games, single them out and tell them thanks for a job well done.
Calvary
Mallory Carver
Why mentioned: “Mallory has been overshadowed a little bit in the past with DJ Lynch, Ramsey Walker and Kynzee Anderson, but she’s the best defensive catcher I’ve ever had. Had two huge throw outs against Sam Houston this season. She has a strong arm, she communicates with me so well, she picks up on things our pitcher is doing and can tell a batter’s weakness. She’s such a huge part of our game. She has a lot of pop offensively too. Hitting in the five-hole this year. She has good speed, she will have 8-10 home runs, and a lot of hits. She’s tough behind the plate.” – Coach Tiffany Wood
Captain Shreve
Ella Hendrick
Why mentioned: “She will stay late after practice to work on her pitching when no one is around. Ella has the ability to take control of a game when she steps in the pitcher’s circle.” – Coach Mitch Fant
D’Arbonne Woods
Brinnly Redden
Why mentioned: “Brinnly was a key piece to us reaching the state tournament and finishing as state runner-up two years ago. She was injured most of the year last year and it made a difference not having her on the field every game.” – David DeMoss
Haynesville
Isis Cornelious
Why mentioned: “Isis has the ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face even when driving us absolutely crazy. Her energy is unmatched, and you can’t help but love her.” – Coach Catee Ellerbe
Lakeside
Meredith Robinson
Why mentioned: “Meredith is such a character, is selfless, has a heart of gold and keeps us all rolling in the right direction. She is such a vocal leader on the field for us and is always willing to help with anything.” – Coach Brittany Frazier Smith
Loyola
Savannah Mekelberg
Why mentioned: “Sav has taken on roles in new positions this season and risen to the challenge with joy and commitment to the team. Her infectious enthusiasm is an inspiration to the generations behind her.” – Coach Paul McClenahan
Minden
Tatum Miller
Why mentioned: “She is a sophomore outfielder, who last year did not touch the field. She has put in a tremendous amount of work to become a starting outfielder this year. She stays late at practice. She is kind to all of her teammates. She is one of the first people to get out or put up equipment. She brings good energy to the team with a constant smile and more than occasional laugh. Tatum Miller is our unsung hero this season, because she has surprised everyone with her hard work and determination.” – Coach Maggie Watts
Northwood
Mackenzie Jagers
Why mentioned: “Mackenzie mostly leads by pure example but will speak up when absolutely necessary. When this happens, NO ONE questions it or gets offended – it’s more like a cold glass of water for a wakeup call.” – Coach McKenzie Hulett
Ruston
Abby Holton & Jaiden Feeheley
Why mentioned: “Both seniors and both have been staples in our program who are committed to Ruston softball. They’ve accepted young kids and adjust as the team needs. They’ve changed positions and risen to expectations in the quietest of ways.” – Coach Lauren Garvie
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here are 10 unsung heroes in Shreveport area high school softball
Most of them are selfless members of their teams — girls who aren’t as worried about the personal accolades as they are about pushing their softball team toward success.
Rarely do they garner headlines or grab the attention of college recruiters. But make no mistake about it. Unsung individual athletes, coaches and support personnel are vital to their teams. Just about every team has one or two or three folks who are a bit undersized or a step slow, but who set the example of a solid work ethic for their teammates.
Check out this group of the final 10 unsung heroes from schools from the Shreveport-Bossier City area turned in by their coaches. If you’re able to attend one of their games, single them out and tell them thanks for a job well done.
Calvary
Mallory Carver
Why mentioned: “Mallory has been overshadowed a little bit in the past with DJ Lynch, Ramsey Walker and Kynzee Anderson, but she’s the best defensive catcher I’ve ever had. Had two huge throw outs against Sam Houston this season. She has a strong arm, she communicates with me so well, she picks up on things our pitcher is doing and can tell a batter’s weakness. She’s such a huge part of our game. She has a lot of pop offensively too. Hitting in the five-hole this year. She has good speed, she will have 8-10 home runs, and a lot of hits. She’s tough behind the plate.” – Coach Tiffany Wood
Captain Shreve
Ella Hendrick
Why mentioned: “She will stay late after practice to work on her pitching when no one is around. Ella has the ability to take control of a game when she steps in the pitcher’s circle.” – Coach Mitch Fant
D’Arbonne Woods
Brinnly Redden
Why mentioned: “Brinnly was a key piece to us reaching the state tournament and finishing as state runner-up two years ago. She was injured most of the year last year and it made a difference not having her on the field every game.” – David DeMoss
Haynesville
Isis Cornelious
Why mentioned: “Isis has the ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face even when driving us absolutely crazy. Her energy is unmatched, and you can’t help but love her.” – Coach Catee Ellerbe
Lakeside
Meredith Robinson
Why mentioned: “Meredith is such a character, is selfless, has a heart of gold and keeps us all rolling in the right direction. She is such a vocal leader on the field for us and is always willing to help with anything.” – Coach Brittany Frazier Smith
Loyola
Savannah Mekelberg
Why mentioned: “Sav has taken on roles in new positions this season and risen to the challenge with joy and commitment to the team. Her infectious enthusiasm is an inspiration to the generations behind her.” – Coach Paul McClenahan
Minden
Tatum Miller
Why mentioned: “She is a sophomore outfielder, who last year did not touch the field. She has put in a tremendous amount of work to become a starting outfielder this year. She stays late at practice. She is kind to all of her teammates. She is one of the first people to get out or put up equipment. She brings good energy to the team with a constant smile and more than occasional laugh. Tatum Miller is our unsung hero this season, because she has surprised everyone with her hard work and determination.” – Coach Maggie Watts
Northwood
Mackenzie Jagers
Why mentioned: “Mackenzie mostly leads by pure example but will speak up when absolutely necessary. When this happens, NO ONE questions it or gets offended – it’s more like a cold glass of water for a wakeup call.” – Coach McKenzie Hulett
Ruston
Abby Holton & Jaiden Feeheley
Why mentioned: “Both seniors and both have been staples in our program who are committed to Ruston softball. They’ve accepted young kids and adjust as the team needs. They’ve changed positions and risen to expectations in the quietest of ways.” – Coach Lauren Garvie
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here are 10 unsung heroes in Shreveport area high school softball
