The Danville girls’ softball team was well represented in end of the season accolades, with the team boasting three first team, three second team and an honorable mention for All-KMAC awards.
Knox Morrow Athletic Conference Coach of the Year Charlie Duncan was proud of his KMAC winning squad, and had high praise for the nominees.
Grace Gronberg - Senior - 1st Team All KMAC - and KMAC Player of the Year
“Grace was our leader all season long,” Duncan said. “Her work ethic began during the offseason and continued throughout the season. She now holds the best batting average in school history, the top slugging percentage, the most home runs in a season, and the most strikeouts in a season. She was the rock that helped lead this team to its first KMAC Championship, going undefeated.”
Alicia Humphrey - Junior - 1st Team All KMAC
“Alicia was a major contributor on both offense and defense,” said Duncan. “She had a spectacular freshman season but unfortunately missed her sophomore season due to a knee injury. However, she bounced back stronger than ever. This season, Alicia was a clutch hitter with home run power and the ability to hit the ball to the opposite field when needed to score or move runners. She played third base for us and locked down the left side of the field.”
Abigail Sapp - Junior - 1st Team All KMAC
“Abi took over the left field starting role this season and became one of the best outfielders in the KMAC,” Duncan said. “Throughout the season, she made crucial plays, making diving catches and cutting off hard-hit balls to hold hitters to singles. She was also a major contributor at the plate. Abi started the season in the bottom part of the lineup but was moved to the three-hole by the end of the season. Her confidence and determination are big reasons why she became the player she was this season.”
Maddy Payne - Junior - 1st Team All KMAC
"Last season, we graduated our four-year starting shortstop, Taryn Mickley, leaving shortstop as a question mark going into this season,” Duncan explained. “We had a few talented options, but Maddy rose to the top and filled that need very quickly. She is very athletic and softball smart. Maddy worked hard in practice and at home all season long, and that work ethic turned her into a 1st Team KMAC player. We quickly discovered that not only was Maddy a solid shortstop, but her bat was just as impressive. She finished second on the team with a .490 batting average.”
Emily Weckesser - Senior - 2nd Team All KMAC
“Emily is a four-year starter at catcher and one of the toughest players I know,” Duncan said. “She has won our Tough Street Award, given to the player who shows the most grit, three out of her four years playing. She is a true leader of our program, and many girls look up to her. Defensively, she made things comfortable because she controlled what happened on the field. She has a very explosive bat, hitting several home runs this season, some of which came at critical times and helped us win tight games.”
Addison Mickley - Junior - 2nd Team All KMAC
“Addison is an extremely athletic and hardworking young lady who excels at whatever she does,” Duncan said. “She has been a three-year starter for us in right field and has a cannon for an arm. At the plate, she is our leadoff batter, but we can move her anywhere in the lineup. When we need her to get on base, she gets it done; when we need her to move down in the lineup to drive in runs, she also gets the job done. Addison is one of the most coachable kids I have ever had, and she is fun to watch because she always gives 110% and isn’t afraid to dive anywhere on the field.”
Addy Bocock - Sophomore - 2nd Team All KMAC
“Addy had a big year, playing with a little swag and never backing down from any challenge,” said Duncan. “She is a great ballplayer, excelling in hitting, fielding, and pitching. This season, we challenged her in some pretty big games, and she not only responded but dominated. Addy has a bright future ahead of her, and we are excited to watch her grow.”
Jaylyn Smith - Senior - Honorable Mention All KMAC
“Jay has been a four-year starter for us and is arguably the best center fielder we've had at Danville,” Duncan said. “She is a super athletic player who has made play after play all season long. I like to call "Money" every time the ball is hit to her because we have that much confidence in her making plays. She was our 2-hole hitter who could bunt, slap, or hit—whatever the team needed.”