FLOWOOD — Heritage Academy was well represented last month at the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools All-Star Softball game that featured the top players from Class AAA and Class AAAA.
Heritage Academy senior pitcher Kaitlyn Oswalt and senior catcher Macy Walters were selected to play for the AAA-AAAA Blue team, which was coached by Heritage Academy’s Gary Harris. The Blue team beat the AAA-AAAA Red team 3-1.
Central Academy senior pitcher Courtney Gaylord also played in the game.
In previous years, All-Stars were chosen and placed onto North and South rosters, but this season the format was changed and the players were put into a pool for the coaches to draft them. Harris and Magnolia Heights coach Jim Patterson led the Blue team.
“We got into the selection room and most of the girls we knew all played in the North, so we basically ended up with North vs. South, with a few exceptions,” Harris said.
Oswalt and Walters served as the battery for the third and fourth innings. They went back out in the seventh to close the victory. They also played other positions during the game.
“Our plan was for each of our pitchers to throw two innings and the most effective (one) would go back out for the seventh,” Harris said. “Coach Patterson and I agreed that K.O. and Macy should finish the game. They were responsible for a scoreless third and fourth in addition to being a combination that had worked together all season. Our other pitcher/catcher combos were girls from different schools and a couple of passed balls led to the first run being scored. They went out and pitched a spotless seventh to secure the win. It was a great way to walk off a softball field with them one last time.”
Oswalt was credited with the save. Oswalt and Walters said the week was something they’ll remember the rest of their lives.
“Playing in the All-Star game was so amazing,” Walters said. “I was so thankful to get the opportunity to represent Heritage Academy and get the chance to play on the same team with girls whom I’ve competed against my whole high school career.”
Said Oswalt, “It was a good, challenging experience … playing with and against some of the best players in the MAIS. It made me push myself and play even harder. I met friends that I will play against in college.”
Harris was serving as an MAIS All-Star coach for the seventh time (four with softball, three with basketball). He said it is always fun to be around players who dedicate so much time and energy to softball.
“My first year doing this I was so wrapped up in trying to win the game I didn’t allow myself or the girls to have any fun,” Harris said. “These past few times I’ve been fortunate to be chosen, we’ve made sure to let these kids experience the entire process and enjoy it. It was a highly contested game. Kaitlyn and Macy have meant so much to me and this program that it was extra special to be able to serve as their head coach in this game.”
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