This past year's Pee Dee Academy softball team made it farther than any had before, coming within one game of claiming the school's first ever state SCISA crown. And, while they may not have brought home the gold, the squad has a golden opportunity to make the same run in 2009.
Two seniors graduated from last year's team, starting catcher Alex Pittman and starting shortstop Alex Powers. Starting left fielder, Kelsey Rogers, is out due to injury and Wes Daniels stepped down as head coach in order to support his son on the baseball diamond. In steps Bill Rogers, long-time Pee Dee Academy assistant in baseball and football and junior varsity basketball coach.
"Wes has coached here for many years. And, we hope to build on this success and continue to make Pee Dee proud," said Rogers, who is a Pee Dee graduate. And, Rogers inherits a team loaded with returning talent and experience.
Senior Christen Bucy and junior Summer Collins return this season, rotating between third base and the pitcher's mound. "They both pitched so well for us last year and I am expecting a banner year from them again," said Rogers of his duo on the hill.
On the right side of the infield will be veterans Rachel Hester and Katherine Rogers, both seniors. Hester was last year's region Most Valuable Player and this twosome provided solid defense between first and second and provided solid hitting at the top and middle of the line-up. The shortstop and centerfield positions will be rotated between Kali Jacobs and Caroline Shelley.
"These two are neck and neck in competing for these positions. Both should fare well whichever we place them in," Rogers noted. "Every good team needs to be strong up the middle and we feel we still have that here in these two."
Lee Pittman, the only freshman on the team, will be taking her sister's place at the catcher's spot. "She has a live bat and will improve defensively with every game as she takes the every-day position there," said Rogers of his catcher. Pittman displayed that live bat by hitting her first varsity home run over the fence in a recent weekend tournament in Sumter.
The outfield spots will be filled by Kelsey Dozier in right, Jeffre Rogers in center or in left, Daleigh Huggins who is a sophomore and is an experienced fielder in left. Sophomores, Taylor Williams and Haley Cribb, will also see valuable time in the outfield.
"I basically told the girls that all I ask of them is to work hard every day in practice and to leave it all out on the field each and every day," Rogers said. "As long as they give all they have, I am going to be proud of them win or lose."
Long-time assistant, Eddie Pittman, will be back on the sideline with the team.
This year, the Golden Eagles are competing in an expanded region that includes softball powerhouse Carolina Academy and the addition of Williamsburg Academy. The Golden Eagles have started the season at 3-0 in region play, including an extra-inning win at home over the Bobcats.
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