Weddington's outstanding junior pitcher Joella Thomas racked up her 500th career strike out the playoff loss to S. Caldwell Tuesday May 20th. Thomas finished the game with 8 K's and 1 earned run. The Warriors and Thomas finished the 2025 season 23-5. Thomas will be back for her senior year with 513 career strike outs to lead the Warriors in the SCC. Congrats Joelle!!!

Central Academy’s Addison Crawford threw a 4 inning NO HITTER while picking up her 500th career strike out in a 15-0 win over Forest Hills. Crawford struck out 11 Yellow Jackets in the win. A 4-year starter, Crawford has 501 career strike outs including 98 K’s this season for the Cougars. Crawford is 6-3 on the season with a 1.31 ERA. The Cougars are 8-8 on the season and 5-4 in the Rocky River. Congrats Addison!!!

Porter Ridge's Natalya Salo picked up her 500 career strike out in the 12-2 win over Sun Valley. Salo now has 502 career strike outs and leads Union Co. with 159 on the season along with a county lead 13-3 record. The Pirates will be the #3 seed in the SCC Tournament that starts Monday. Congrats Natalya!!!

Union Academy's Paisley Boatright has committed to continue her academics and softball career at at Wingate University. Crocker, a rising junior was 1st team All-UCSSoftball and All-YVC as a sophomore after hitting a .523 average with 45 hits, driving in 31 RBI and adding 10 doubles and 3 triples. Paisley helped lead the Cardinals to the 1A State Title! As a freshman Paisley hit .457 with 37 hits, 26 runs, 16 RBI, 8 2B’s, 1 3B while bing named 2nd Team All-UCHSSoftball along with All-YVC and All-State.

Ms. Boatright announced her intentions via Twitter & Facebook, "I am so excited to announce that I am furthering my academic & softball career at Wingate University. First, I want to thank God because through Him all things are possible. There are no words to describe how incredibly thankful I am for my family, coaches, teammates & friends for the endless amount of support! Go dawgs!!"

________________________________________________________

4A

Lexi Kirby Marvin Ridge 2025 (So) C

Anna McGowan Marvin Ridge 2024 (Jr) 1B

Riya Patel Marvin Ridge 2023 (Sr) SS

Anna Phifer Marvin Ridge 2025 (So) P

Ella Tracy Marvin Ridge 2025 (So) OF

Sarah Belk Piedmont 2025 (So) OF

Katie Bejian Sun Valley 2023 (Sr) SS

Jordan Vaughn Sun Valley 2025 (So) C, 3B

Layla Manning Weddington 2023 (Sr) SS, OF

Madelyn Miller Weddington 2024 (Jr) P, 3B

Morgan Nayle Weddington 2023 (Sr) P, DP

Caroline Petroff Cuthbertson 2026 (Fr) OF

________________________________________________________

3A

Addison Crawford Central Academy of Technology (So) P

________________________________________________________

1A

Paisley Boatright Union Academy 2025 (So) OF, UT

Riley Griffin Union Academy 2024 (Jr) OF

Gracie Hollingsworth Union Academy 2023 (Sr) P

Addison Laney Union Academy 2025 (So) SS

1A Player of the Year- West: Riley Griffin Union Academy

1A Pitcher of the Year- West: Gracie Hollingsworth Union Academy

________________________________________________________

4A

Anna McGowan Marvin Ridge 2024 (Jr) 1B

Lexi Kirby Marvin Ridge 2025 (So) C

Riya Patel Marvin Ridge 2023 (Sr) SS

Anna Phifer Marvin Ridge 2025 (So) P

Addison Studney Marvin Ridge 2025 (So) 3B

Ella Tracy Marvin Ridge 2025 (So) OF

Katie Bejian Sun Valley 2023 (Sr) SS

Jordan Vaughn Sun Valley 2025 (So) C, 3B

Sarah Belk Piedmont 2025 (So) OF

Kloie Greene Piedmont 2023 (Sr) OF

Skye Harrington Piedmont 2023 (Sr) C

Jailyn Thomas Piedmont 2025 (So) P, DP

Gabby Martens Cuthbertson 2026 (Fr) SS

Caroline Petroff Cuthbertson 2026 (Fr) OF

Lily Rush Cuthbertson 2025 (So) 3B

Bridget Johnson Weddington 2023 (Sr) C

Layla Manning Weddington 2023 (Sr) SS, OF

Madelyn Miller Weddington 2024 (Jr) P, 3B

Morgan Nayle Weddington 2023 (Sr) P, DP

Abby Peisker Weddington 2024 (Jr) OF

4A Co-Players of the Year:

Anna McGowan Marvin Ridge & Grace Bechtol Hickory Ridge

________________________________________________________

3A

Addison Crawford Central Academy of Technology (So) P

________________________________________________________

2A

Dakota Slack Forest Hills 2024 (Jr) P, SS

Haylee Trull Forest Hills 2024 (Jr) P, 1B

________________________________________________________

1A

Paisley Boatright Union Academy 2025 (So) OF, UT

Gabriella Gama Union Academy 2023 (Sr) 2B

Riley Griffin Union Academy 2024 (Jr) OF

Gracie Hollingsworth Union Academy 2023 (Sr) P

Addison Laney Union Academy 2025 (So) SS

Taylor Surratt Union Academy 2026 (Fr) C

1A Co-Players of the Year:

Riley Griffin Union Academy & Kassie Swink South Stanly

1A Co-Pitchers of the Year:

Gracie Hollingsworth Union Academy & Mattie Poulos South Stanly

The Cuthbertson Cavaliers have announced that Mike Vaccaro will take over as their varsity softball coach. Vaccarohas spent the past 11 years at Cuthbertson teaching Principles of Business and Finance as well as ser ving as an assistant coach for the Cavaliers’ football team. The Cavaliers are coming of a 5-9 campaign this past spring that saw them lose their final five games to close out the regular season. Cuthbertson named former Cavaliers hired alum Melanie Recher to lead the program in early 2021. Recher was a three-year starter for the Cavaliers before graduating in 2012. The Cavaliers’ top returner at the plate will be senior Kiana Termine, who hit .225 with nine hits last spring. Fellow senior Gianna Tamburello also returns after batting .211 with eight hits, two doubles and four RBI.Congrats Coach Vaccaro!

The Union Academy Cardinals have named former Cardinal Darbi Holmes as the new Varsity Women’s Softball Coach. Ms. Holmes is new to the Union Academy staff this year and will be serving as a middle school PE teacher. Holmes replaces Crystal Trull as head coach who was 37-19 over here 4 seasons at Union Academy. The Cardinal were 11-4 in the 2021 Covid shortened season and lost in the first round of the state playoffs. The 2022 season starts for Union Academy on March 8th vs. Ardrey Kell. Welcome back Coach!

Parkwood Wolfpack's Grace Crocker has committed to continue her academics and softball career at at Carolina University. Crocker, a senior was 2nd team All-UCSSoftball as a junior after finishing 4-6 on the mound with a 2.23 ERA and 26 K's. At the plate Crocker hit .355 avg with 11 htis, driving in 7 RBI and hit 4 doubles. Congrats Grace!

Sun Valley High has hired Ashlie Horne as the school’s head softball coach. Horne will replace David Collins, who was the Spartans’ head coach for the past four seasons. Collins guided Sun Valley to an 8-6 record and a fourth place finish last in the Southern Carolina Conference last spring. Most of the roster is eligible to return, with three seniors listed on last seasons’ 14-player roster. The Spartans return 2 from the 2021 ALL UCHSSoftball.com's 1st Team with juniors Sierra Maness (All-SCC, 8-6, 145 K's, 2.39 ERA, /.487 avg, 19 hits, 13 RBIs, 2 2B's, 5 3B, 2 HRs) & Kate Bejian (All-SCC, .412 avg, 14 hits, , 6 RBI, 9- runs) along with sophomore Logan Mokus (All-SCC, .357 avg, 15 Hits, 14 RBI, 10 Runs, 2 2B's, 1 HR.) Horne was a four-year softball l player at Independence High school before graduating in 2008. She was voted captain three times, and she was the team MVP as a senior.

Four Cardinals were named to the ALL-SW4A team for the 2021 season. Senior's Lauren Love (.535, 23 hits, 20 runs) & Chica Mincey (.323, 10 hits, 6 RBI, 7 runs) led the Pirates. They were joined by freshman Natalya Salo (.533, 24 hits, 16 RBI 6-5 with 99Ks), junior Sarah Myers (.400, 12 hits, 12 runs). Congrats ladies!

Four Cardinals were named to the ALL-PAC7 team including the Pac-7 Pitcher of the Year. Gracie Hollingsworth was named the Conference Pitcher of the Year after posting a 11- 4 record with 140 K's and a 2.10 ERA. Along side of Hollingsworth, freshman Riley Griffin (.488, 24 RBI) and Shelby Brooks (.468, 27 RBI, 3 HRs) along with sophomore Gabby Gama (.421, 16 RBI, 16 hits). Named ot the Honorable Mention All Conference team was Kristena Croft (.366, 19 runs) and Hannah Wease (.350, 18 RBI). Congrats ladies!

Two Forest Hills Yellow Jackest and one Cougar from CATA were named to the ALL-Rocky River team. Skylar Price and Holly Griffin represented Forest Hills and Katelyn Zuendel was the lone Cougrar on the team. Brianna Storch-Compton and Dakota Slack along with Jana McManus and Jaden Kempf were name to the Honorable Mention team. Congrats ladies!!

Four Porter Ridge Pirates were named to the All-SW4A team following the 2019 season. Sophomore Laurne Love was named SW4A Player of the year. Love hit .644 on the season with 29 hits and driving in 27 RBI for Coach Meyers and the Pirates. Ms. Love added 8 doubles and scored 20 runs. On the hill Ms. Love was 5-1 with a 3.84 ERA and struck out 32 batters. Love is joined by senior Jessica Benckert (.476, 20 hits and 16 runs), junior Kenlynn Walker (.385 with 15 hits and 12 RBI) and sophomore Lanny Love (.385 15 hits and 13 RBI) to round out the team. The Pirates Congrats ladies!!

The Marvin Ridge Mavericks contiune dominate on their way to the final-4 after a 9-0 win over N. Buncombe. Mavericks outstanding senior pitcher Gabby Baylog set a Marvin Ridge school record for strike-outs in a season after fanning 10 Black Hawks in the win. Baylog broke Caitlin Kurtz's record of 229 K's in a season. Kurtz set the record for whiffs in 2010. Baylog's 231 K's sits 4th all time behing Parkwood's Caroline Ruth (238) Porter Ridge's Lexi Davis (279) and Sun Valley's and current Tarheel Brittany Pickett (305). Baylog still has at least 2 more games in her high school career. Congrats Gabby!!

Another Yellow Jackets is headed to play college softball, this time it's Forest Hills' outstanding senior Addison Jones. Ms. Jones will continue her education and softball career at App. State. Jones was limited to just 10 games as a junior hit .407 with 11 hits and scored 12 runs on the season. As a sophomore Jones hit .500 with 22 hits and scored 20 runs while driving in 13 RBI. Ms. Jones was named 2nd Team All-UCHSSoftball and 1st Team All-Rocky River. As a freshman Jones was named UCHSSoftball.com Honorable Metion after hitting .462 with 24 htis and scored 26 runs while driving in 13 with 4 doubles. Congrats Addison!! Starnes was named 1st team All-UCHSSoftball.com & All-Rocky River after hitting .509 with 27 hits and 13 RBI as a junior for Coach Alanna Smith. She scored 22 runs, smacked 6 doubles and 2 triples for the Yellow Jackets. Starnes was named UCHSSoftball.com honorable mention ast a sophomore after hitting .431 with 22 hits and drivign in 10 RBI with 9 doubles. Starnes will be counted on to lead the 2019 Forest Hills Yellow Jackets. Congrats Kara!!

Forest Hills' outstanding senior Kara Starnes will continue her education and softball career at James Madison University. Starnes accounced her intentions via her twitter account, "Super exited to announce that I have decided to further my academic and softball career at my dream school, James Madison University. I want to thank God, my Coaches, and my parents for this crazy ride. I loved ever bit of it ! #GODUKES @JMUSoftball @CarEliteOrg." Starnes was named 1st team All-UCHSSoftball.com & All-Rocky River after hitting .509 with 27 hits and 13 RBI as a junior for Coach Alanna Smith. She scored 22 runs, smacked 6 doubles and 2 triples for the Yellow Jackets. Starnes was named UCHSSoftball.com honorable mention ast a sophomore after hitting .431 with 22 hits and drivign in 10 RBI with 9 doubles. Starnes will be counted on to lead the 2019 Forest Hills Yellow Jackets. Congrats Kara!!

Union Academy's outstanding sophomore Savanna Brooks isn't wasting any time as she has committed to Wingate to continue her education and softball career. Brooks announced her intentions via her Instagram account, "Very excited to say that I verbally committed to play softball at Wingate University. Thanks to everyone who helped me along the way." Savanna was named 2nd team All-UCHSSoftball.com & All-PAC 7 after leading Union Co. in hitting .635 with 32 hits and 12 RBI as a freshman. She scored 23 runs, smacked 7 doubles and 5 triples for the Cardinals. Congrats Savanna!!

Parkwood’s Sarah Harkins will continue her education and outstanding softball career at Francis Marion University. Ms. Harkins tweeted the announcement on July 5th, “Thrilled to announce that I am committed to go to Francis Marion University to play softball ❤️ 💙#SwampEm”. Harkins was named 1st team All-UCHSSoftball.com & All-SCC after hitting .450 with 27 hits and 19 RBI as a junior helping Parkwood to a 22-1 record. Harkins was 1st team All-UCHSSoftball.com & All-Rocky River as a sophomore hitting .446 with 41 hits and driving in 23 runs while helping the Parkwood Rebels win the 2A State Title!. Congrats Sarah!!

Six Porter Ridge Pirates were named to the All-SW4A team for the 2018 season. Seniors Sloan Ducey (12-2, 1.77 ERA 152 K's), Hannan Naifeh (.333, 16 hits, 17 RBI) and Sam Matsil (.447, 21 hits, 17 RBI). Junior's Megan Matsil (.611, 33 hits, 27 RBI) Jessica Benckert (.353, 12 hits, 10 RBI )and freshman Lauren Love (.500, 30 hitsm 25 RBI, 4 HR's) round out the team. The Pirates won the SW4A and made the 4A state playoffs. Congrats ladies!!

Piedmont sophomore Avery Bellai has changed her mind when it comes where to continue her softball career. Originally Ms. Bellai was headed to App State but a change at the head coaching position Ms. Bellai is now headed to Presbyterian College. Bellai was named ALL-UCHSSoftball.com's 1st team as well as UCHSSoftball.com's New Comer of the Year. Avery hit .404 with 38 hits and drove in 31 RBI for the Panthers. She also was named All-SCC and scored 26 runs, hit 9 doubles with 3 homeruns as a freshman. Congrats Avery!!

Porter Ridge's Danielle Chapman will be headed to Western Carolina to continue her education & softball career. Chapmen was named 1st team All-UCHSSoftball as a junior after hitting .346 with 27 hits, 10 doubles, 7 home runs and 25 RBI. As a sophomore Chapman hit .441 with 26 hits and drove in 18 RBI and was named All-UCHSSoftball's 2nd team. Chapman did not play softball for the Pirates in 2017. Congrats Danielle!

Parkwood’s Caroline Ruth capped off her outstanding junior year with a state championship and now ranks among the best in Union Co. history. Ruth won the “Pitching Triple Crown” when she led Union Co. in wins, strikeouts and ERA. Ruth’s 24 wins ranks her second most in Union Co. history behind Porter Ridge’s Lexi Davis’ 33 wins in a season in 2012. Caroline struck out 238 batters in 2017 and that ranks 3rd all-time in strikeouts in a season behind Sun Valley’s Brittany Pickett (305 K’s) and Porter Ridge’s Lexi Davis (279 K’s). Ruth has increased her win totals each year staring with 15 wins as a freshman, she improved to 19 as a sophomore and after 24 this past season has 58 career wins heading into her senior year and ranks 3rd all-time behind Porter Ridge’s Lexi Davis (89) and Marvin Ridge’s Catlin Kurtz (66). Caroline has increased her strikeouts each season as well. She recorded 165 as a freshman, improved to 182 as a sophomore and with 238 this season now has 585 career strikeouts and that ranks 4th all-time behind Porter Ridge’s Davis (916), Marvin’s Kurtz (791) and Sun Valley’s Pickett (617). Congrats Caroline!

Sun Valley junior Rebecca Murray reached the 100-career hit plateau in a 12-4 win over Weddington. Murray, a 3-year starter at Sun Valley recorded hits 100, 101 and 102 in the game. Murray was named All-UCHSSoftball.com's 2nd team as a sophomore and All-UCHSSoftball's 1st team as well 2015 UCHSSoftball.com's New Comer of the Year. Congrats Rebecca!!

Kyrah Phelix recorded her 100-career hit in a 5-4 loss to Sun Valley. Phelix, a 4-year starter at Piedmont currently has 100 hits in her career. She had 21 hits as a freshman and recorded 34 hits in back to back years as a sophomore and junior and currently has 21 hits this season. Phelix was All-UCHSSoftball 1st team as a junior. Congrats Kyrah!!

Parkwood’s Caroline Ruth didn't allow a single hit as Rebels defeated Central Academy of Technology and Arts 11-0. Rebels scored four runs in the fifth inning to break it open with a single by Courtney Fink, a double by Taylor Belk, and a single by Mary Pierce Barnes. Caroline Ruth earned the win for Rebels. Ruth went six innings and struck out 14 on the way to her 11th win of the season, striking out 14, and walking zero. Rebels had 11 hits in the game. Amber Briggs and Sarah Harkins each collected multiple hits for Rebels. Barnes, Ruth, and Belk each drove in two runs to lead Rebels.

Sun Valley junior Rebecca Murray will continuer her softball career & education at Elon. Murray announced it via her twitter account, "Beyond blessed to announce that I have just verbally committed to play softball at Elon University! ❤️💛" Murray was named All-UCHSSoftball.com's 2nd team an all SCC as a sophomore after hitting .373 with 28 hits, 16 runs and drove in 19 RBI for the Spartans last season. She was UCHSSoftball.com's New Comer of the Year and 1st team All-UCHSSoftball as a Freshman after hitting .543 with 44 hits and scored 22 runs. Congrats Rebecca!!

Parwood sophomore catcher Sarah Harkins has commited play college softball at Presbyterian College after we Parkwood softball career is over in 2019. Harkins has started her sophomore year for the Parkwood Rebels with a bang, hitting .500 through 3 games. UCHSSoftball.com will continue follow Ms. Harkins career at Parkwood. Congrats Sarah!!

Cuthbertson's senior Shannon McGuire will continue her softball career and education at Queens in the fall. McGuire can play both the infield and outfield and pitch. McGuire has a career aveageg of .276 with 40 hits and 19 RBI. She was 3-0 last year on the hill for Coach David Johnson and the Cavs. Through 5 games this season McGuire is hitting .562 with 6 RBI. Congrats Shannon!!

Marvin Ridge's freshman Ally Bigham has decided that in 4 years her softball career and education will continue at UNC-Charlotte. Bigham announced it via twitter. Bigham's varsity career is just underway and UCHSSoftball.com will continue to watch her has she leads Marvin Ridge. Congrats Ally!!

Porter Ridge’s outstanding pitcher Slone Ducey has committed to continue academic and softball career at the University of South Carolina at Beaufort. Ducey announced her commitment via her twitter account, "I'm very happy to announce my verbal commitment as of today to University of South Carolina Beaufort to play ball❤️️Ms". Ducey was named 1st Team All-UCHSSoftball.com as a junior after going 18-5 (3rd in Union Co.) with 221 K’s (2nd in Union Co.) and a 1.26 ERA (3rd in Union Co.) for the 20-5 Porter Ridge Pirates. Sloan was named All-SW4A and was SW4A Pitcher of the year. At the plate Sloan hit .240 with 12 hits and drove in 8 RBI in 2016.

Kyrah Phelix- CF, signed at App State. Kyrah has been named All-UCHSSoftball, All State, Region, and All Conference the last 2 years. Ms. Phelix has a career Bat avg of .348, 68 Runs, 79 Hits, and 40 Stolen bases in 3 seasons at Piedmont. As a junior, Kyrah posted career highs in Bat avg .410, and OBP .495 serving as the Panthers lead off hitter.

Gracie Gibson- Catcher signed at Catawba, Gracie was All Region last year at catcher. Gracie's career Bat avg. is .291 w/ 33 RBI. Gibson is also a defensive standout at catcher.

Leigha Helms- OF, signed at Salem College. Leigha spent her 1st 2 years of High school as a starter on the Ardery Kell Varsity softball team and was a key contributor for the Knights. Last year was Leigha's 1st year at Piedmont and Helms is primed to have a strong year for the Panthers in 2017.

Kat Delbene has committed to continue her softball career at Coker College. As a sophomore Kathe hit .276 at the plate, 10 RBI and 4 doubles. Delbene also showed outstanding defense for the Panthers at SS with a .950 fielding percentage. Congrats Kat!!

Sun Valley's Courtney Layton and Cournety Dean have put pen to paper and will officially continue their softball careers at the next level. Both Dean and Layton officially signed Thursday Nov 10 at Sun Valley High School. Dean has signed with Costal Carolina and Courtney Layton as signed with East Carolina. Dean was named 1st team All-UCHSSoftball.com and All-SCC as a junior after hitting .442 with 42 hits, 33 runs and drove in 14 RBI. Layton was named 2nd team All-UCHSSoftball.com and All-SCC after hitting .309 with 25 hits 14 runs and drove in 19 RBI. Congrats ladies!

Parkwood's sophomore Amber Parker already has her post Rebel career worked out. Ms. Parker has committed to Western Carolina. Amber played in just 7 games as a freshman for the Rebels but was impressive, hitting .348 with 8 hits, scoring 5 runs and driving in 7 RBI. Congrats Amber!!

Sun Valley's Camryn Dean will continue her softball career at UNCW. Ms. Dean announced her intentions via her twitter account, "Very happy to say that I have just committed to play softball at UNCW 💚💙 go seahawks!" Camryn played in 26 games adn hit .227 with 20 hits and drove in 18 RBI. as a sophomore. Congrats Camryn!!

Piedmont's Gracie Rape and Leigha Helms will continue their softball careers once they graduate from Piedmont. Rape will be playing at Queens and Helms will be at Salem College. Ms. Rape, a junior played in 25 games and hit .262 with 17 hits and 10 RBI. Rape is expected to be the Panthers #1 pitcher in 2017. Ms. Helms, a senior saw limited action in 2016 and will be conted on from Coach Phelix to take on a bigger role in 2017.

Marvin Ridge's Gabby Baylog already knows where she is going in life. Gabby has committed to continue her softball career at Coastal Carolina. As a freshman Baylog hit .338 with 27 hits, scored 19 runs and drove in 14 RBI on the season for the 18-8 Mavs. Ms. Baylog does a litte pitching too, she was 2-1 on the season with a 2.95 ERA and struck out 23 batters in 2015. Gabby was named 2nd Team All-UCHSSoftball.com. Congrats Gabby!!!

Cuthbertson's Kate Owsley will continue her softball career at George Mason University. Ms. Owsley annoucned via her facebook account, "So excited to share that I have committed to play softball and further my eduction at George Mason University!". As a junior Owsley was named 2nd Team ALL UCHSSoftball.com and ALL-SCC. Kate's has a 18-18 record on the hill for the Cavs and struck out 208. At the plate Kate has a career .281 avg with 50 hits and drove in 26 RBI. The Cavs and Kate are expecting a BIG year in 2017! Congrats Kate!!!

Parkwood's head coach for softball and girls basketball, Kate Edwards is stepping down as head softball and women's basketball coach and will take the position of womens head basketball coach at Nations Ford HS in Fort Mill SC. Edwards coached the Rebles softball program to a 52-32 in 4 full seasons as headcoach and led them to the playoffs in all 3 of the her 4 years. The Rebles advanced to the 4th round in 2015. Congrats Coach Edwards!!!

Sun Valley senior pitcher Brittany Pickett is not the all-time single season record holder for strike-outs in a season. Ms. Pickett finished the 2016 season with 305 K's. Brittany passes Porter Ridge's Lexi Davis how held the record previously with 279 strike-outs set back in 2012. Ms. Pickett will playing at the next level for UNC-Chapel Hill. Congrats Britt!!