The Pace Academy softball team has had tremendous success this year. Thanks to this team’s hard work, dedication, and new editions the team finished undefeated winning the AAAA Georgia High School Association region championship. This is the first time in history the Pace Academy softball team has gone undefeated in their region. Not only did the team go undefeated, but they mercy-ruled in every region game they played. The team even mercy-ruled schools outside the region like North Atlanta, Holy Innocents, Westminster, and even school rival Lovett scoring 14-0. The region champions were ready to face their opponents in the state playoffs, but sadly lost in the second round. This AAAA GHSA went far and set many records. This was arguably the best season yet!
Kayla Cato, a former player at Claflin University, NYO coach, and fitness instructor has been a Pace softball coach for the past five years. For her fifth year, she took the place of Selena Collins-Patterson as the new head coach. Coach Cato implemented a “we over me” mentality. The girls focused on showing up for the team’s benefit instead of playing for personal gains and also picking up slack if necessary. Coach Cato has contributed so much to this team and the girls are so happy to have her fill Coach Collins-Patterson’s big shoes. Taylor Yates, a former player at Agnes Scott and a current NYO coach, stepped in as assistant coach for the Knights this season. Her positive attitude is truly contagious and brought out a new confidence in the girls. Two-year Pace Academy coach and Georgia State University softball alumni, India Davis, contributes to the team with her fielding tips. She can be intimidating at times, but she pushes everyone to strive for excellence because of her love of the sport. Last but not least, Jason Miller, a Pace middle school teacher and professional bus driver, has coached the team for three years. When Coach Miller isn’t jump-roping, he is bringing his high school baseball knowledge onto the softball field. He is outstanding at hitting fly balls and has mastered the GameChanger mobile app. Coach Miller is the team’s unsung hero.
Many factors played into the team’s success including the new pitchers: freshmen Katie and Megan Wrigley. But the players’ chemistry was the key component to reaching their achievements. The softball team is largely known as one of if not the closest team at Pace. “My favorite part of the softball team is getting to know all of the girls in different grades. Since the team is so small, we all become super close and always lift each other up. Being on the team has taught me resilience, as a lot of times practices can be frustrating, but in the end, we all come together and figure it out to win games,” said Senior Anna Kate Howell. Having the skills, talent, and IQ is essential, but the bond among the teammates ultimately led the team to some of their greatest feats this season. The players always have each other’s backs whether it’s on the field, in the dugout, or in the locker room. No one judges if someone messes up or makes a bad play. The girls uplift one another and are there to provide support and advice. “It has been easy to adjust to this team because of all the girls. They are so supportive of me and have taught me to never give up and how to clear my head in frustrating situations,” said sophomore Adryanna Cole. Softball and life in general come with struggles, but the girls make it all worth it.
