The Greenbrier East Lady Spartans had an incredible 2021 season and after it concluded, four players were named to the all-state teams.
Taylor Graham was named to the first team as an outfielder after hitting .431 with one home run and 22 RBI’s. Graham also excelled on the pitching mound.
Annabelle Honaker, Lindsey Black and Josi Ervin were named to the honorable mention team. All three had great years.
Honaker hit .357 with 13 RBI’s. Black hit .385 and led the team in homers with four. She also knocked in 19 runs.
“It’s an honor to be selected to the AAA all state team because it has always been such a big goal of mine. Even though our season came up short, I’m very proud of my team and I for how far we made it despite missing all of last season. I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of my family, teammates and coaches, and of course our amazing fans,” Honaker said.
Ervin batted .284 with two home runs and 14 runs batted in. The sophomore also pitched 85.1 innings and struck out 123 on the hill.
Graham was thrilled that others outside of the program noticed the work she had put in for herself.
“To have been chosen for an all state award, period, is an absolute honor but first team is absolutely mind blowing. To know that there are people out there that have let my hard work and dedication go unnoticed is truly amazing. Being told you’ve been recognized as one of the top players in the state is a feeling that is indescribable,” Graham said.
“I have to thank my parents, friends and family for supporting me and pushing me always to continue to try my hardest and play my best at any position i’m placed in. My dad always implanted in my mind that every player is valuable and accounts for something within the game, so when you play try your hardest and it will account for something also, and to also remember someone is always watching. This could have not been more true this year for me,” Graham concluded.
The other three girls were very thankful as well.
“It is a privilege to be accepted for honorable mention in AAA softball. I am thankful for my wonderful team mates that supported and pushed me throughout this season. I look forward to next year,” Black said.
When you have worked so hard for something and finally get it that is the best feeling in the world. I plan to work even harder in the off season & come back even better for my Lady Spartan Softball team,” Ervin exclaimed.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.