BREAKING: South Caldwell catcher Mcartney Harrington has been named the 4A West Region Player of the Year by the North Carolina Fastpitch Coaches Association, marking a significant achievement in the world of high school softball. This prestigious accolade comes just days after Harrington led her team to clinch the 4A state softball championship in Durham this past May.
Harrington, a rising senior and committed player for Clemson, shares this honor with Alexis Juhl from Cuthbertson. Her performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable, boasting a batting average of .510, along with 12 home runs, 45 RBIs, and 31 walks, which contributed to an impressive on-base percentage of .636 and an OPS of 1.605.
“I was really surprised,” Harrington expressed. “When my mom asked who I thought would win, I started naming players, and she said, ‘No.’ It was a big surprise.” She attributes her success to her supportive teammates and the competitive rivalry with Alexander Central, which pushed her to elevate her game. “Having great teammates helped me play to my best ability because it surrounds me with good athletes,” she added.
As she prepares for her senior year, Harrington aims to enjoy the game even more and hopes to hit additional home runs. “I think it would be cool to be Gatorade Player of the Year, but that’s really hard,” she admitted. With 32 career home runs under her belt, Harrington is poised for an exciting final high school season.
In addition to Harrington, 20 Hickory-area players have received all-state nods from the NCFPA, including Karsyn Sigmon from Fred T. Foard, who was honored as the 3A District Seven Pitcher of the Year for the third consecutive year. Sigmon emphasized the importance of her teammates in achieving this milestone, stating, “I couldn’t have won the award without my teammates behind me.”
With six all-state players, South Caldwell stands out, while Alexander Central follows closely with four honorees. Other schools like Bandys and Bunker Hill also made significant contributions to the all-state roster. The camaraderie and competitive spirit within these teams are evident as players recognize their collective efforts in achieving personal accolades.
As the high school softball season winds down, all eyes will be on Harrington and her fellow players as they gear up for another round of competitive play. Fans and supporters alike are eagerly anticipating what Harrington will achieve next, especially as she heads into her final year of high school softball.
Stay tuned for more updates as players from the Hickory area continue to make headlines in the world of high school sports!