WCHS softball team rewardspresent, prepares for the future

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Lady Pioneer softball players who earned awards at the team’s season-ending ceremony included Shellie Hayes, kneeling, as well as, standing, from left, Courtney Abraham, Brittany Darnbush, Casi Rogers and Ashley McBee. (Photos provided)

The Warren County Lady Pioneer softball team closed out its season with its annual picnic and awards ceremony recently. The Lady Pioneers finished the season 7-32 and 2-14 in district 7-AAA play.

Two Lady Pioneers — third baseman Shellie Hayes and pitcher Ashley McBee — were honored for being selected to the 7-AAA All-District team.

Hayes was also honored as the Lady Pioneers’ Defensive Player of the Year, and voted Miss Pioneer by her teammates. Hayes was also awarded a $500 scholarship by the Middle Tennessee Softball Coaches Association.

The MTSCA held its first Softball Classic tournament this year, raising almost $5,000. The money raised during the tournament is used to give back to the girls from schools whose coaches are active members of the association. This year the MTSCA gave out 10 $500 scholarships, with checks being mailed directly to the college the player decides to attend.

Hayes was also selected to represent Warren County in the MTSCA Annual North/South game, scheduled to be played in July.

The MTSCA also selected Laurie Hillis and Emily Smith to the 2005 All-Academic team. Hillis and Smith had to meet three criteria set forth by the MTSCA. A cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher, must be a junior or senior and softball coach must be a member of the MTSCA.

The Lady Pioneer softball team also handed out two Hustle Awards. Casi Rogers and Brittany Darnbush were presented the awards by coach David Upton. Courtney Abraham received the Most Improved Award.

A new award was installed this year, the Booster Award. The award is to honor an outstanding booster who through his or her selfish efforts has worked tirelessly to ensure the success and welfare of the players. This year’s winner was Don McBee.