September 17, 2015
Emily Soles Earns 1,000th Strike Out
Prince Avenue senior softball pitcher, Emily Soles, knew that she was on track to meet a major softball goal, but she was not sure which game and which moment she would pitch her 1,000th strike out. On Tuesday, September 15th, in a home game versus Towns County, Emily reached that goal, an accomplishment she had been working toward her entire softball career.
Richard Ricketts, PACS Athletic Director, helps to put Emily’s achievement in perspective. “Emily has pitched in 103 games during her 3 ½ year career at Prince. She has averaged 10 strikeouts per game and 1.6 strikeouts per inning. Those numbers are amazing.”
Emily credits her success on the field to excellent and compassionate coaches, a father who has held her accountable to a high work ethic, teammates who have encouraged her on the field, and a school that has been supportive of the softball program. Personally, Emily says she has the internal drive to never give up. Even in the face of a stress fracture last summer that set her back, Emily continued to push through. When asked what advice she would give younger athletes, Emily said, “Keep at it. Don’t give up. Encourage others, and help your teammates.”
And that is what she is known for! Lacy McClendon, head coach of the Lady Wolverines, says that Emily has been a stand out pitcher since her days playing middle school ball at Prince Avenue. Coach McClendon says that even then, anyone who watched Emily play knew she was a special talent. “It has been a joy to watch Emmy grow not only in her mastery of pitching, but in her character as she has grown to be a young lady of great faith and compassion. She plays with all her heart and leads on and off the field by example.”
Emily says that reaching her goal of 1,000 strike outs was bittersweet as it has reminded her that high school softball is coming to a close. “It is hard to believe that we have all come this far.”
Emily plans to continue her softball career as she attends Georgia State and begins her studies for a future in the medical field. In reflecting on her accomplishments, Emily expresses that it is important to keep athletic success in perspective. “I keep up with my school work and spend time with my friends, and ultimately, my walk with the Lord is way more important than softball.”
The Lady Wolverines are pictured together with their teammate Emily Soles, who pitched her career 1,000th strike out during the game vs. Towns County.
(Photo credit to the Oconee Leader.)
Emily Soles is pictured with her family after pitching her 1,000th career strike out for the Lady Wolverines.
(Photo credit to the Oconee Leader.)