Mill Creek. Lassiter. Union Grove. Fayette County.
The list goes on, but the message is painfully clear: for years, the game of softball in Georgia has been dominated by the northern part of the state. While a plethora of talent still resides outside of the metro Atlanta area, it has yet to manifest itself in a state championship, particularly in Lowndes County.
The last time the school saw a deep run in postseason action was in the early 1990s. Since then, it’s been status quo. Atlanta reigns, regardless of the school representing.
Last season, the Vikettes finished the year at 19-12, which was actually the worst finish under current head coach Stewart Thomas. The Vikettes are primed for success under his tutelage, and this year looks very much like a season that could finally bring South Georgia its well-deserved recognition. While the team is loaded with pure talent and ability, the Vikettes find themselves much younger this season; rounding out the roster is one senior, eight juniors, six sophomores, and four freshmen.
With a 2016 Region Championship under their belts, this team is proving to the region that age is truly nothing but a number and that talent and hard work can take any determined group to unimaginable heights. In the Game was able to speak with two of the members of this year’s team to gain some insight into what keeps the team so focused and driven.
Sophie Sumner
For as long as she can remember, Sophie Sumner has found her home on the diamond. As the starting catcher for the Vikettes, she finds a solace behind home plate that is unmatched. It is the perfect position for a player of her cerebral status.
“I enjoy catching because I can see everything that’s going on during the game,” Sumner said. “I don’t call pitches; that’s the coach. But quite often, the pitches that he calls will depend on what I see on the field. Some of my teammates, because of their position, may occasionally have their backs to runners, but I am able to always keep an eye on them. I get to be very involved, and I’m involved in almost every play.”
Sumner’s talents have been carefully rehearsed and crafted over the years. For a good portion of her adolescence, she shined as a member of the traveling softball team Southern Pride. Under the training of current Valdosta State University head coach Thomas Macera, she was able to train and grow into the star that currently graces the plate for Lowndes.
“I definitely have to give credit where it is due,” Sumner said. “Coach Macera saw something in me that no one else did. His coaching has made me into the player I am today. He was, and still is, one of the most influential people in my life.”
With the team’s blazing performance thus far in the 2016 season, it is only inevitable that talk begin of the “next season.” The sport has been dominated primarily by teams in northern Georgia, particularly the metro Atlanta area. However, the Vikettes are primed to change that notion, and Sumner has no qualms about the team’s potential.
“We definitely have something to prove,” Sumner said. “Atlanta has been the ‘home’ for softball for quite some time, and now it’s our job to make a name. The team is irrelevant; when we get to Columbus, we’re ready to win.”
While a state title is clearly on the mind of the young catcher, she doesn’t neglect the prospect of her future. Sumner has already visited Mercer University in Macon and Georgia Tech and hopes to make a decision on college this fall after a visit to Mississippi State.
“College is definitely on my mind, but for now, it’s all about getting to Columbus and representing our school and our community,” Sumner said.
Rylin Hedgecock
Holding down the mound is pitcher Rylin Hedgecock. Along with Sophie Sumner behind home plate, the duo helps to control the pace of the matchups for the Vikettes. Since around age 5, softball has been the story for Hedgecock, and it has proven to pay off well for the young talent.
“Naturally, a pitcher has a special bond with the catcher,” Hedgecock said. “I’ve been pitching to Sophie since we were about 9 years old. There’s a connection there that honestly feels natural now.”
Hedgecock briefly spent time as a member of Lowndes’ junior varsity squad before reaching the high school ranks as well. Now in her second year as a varsity member, she is more than ready to reap the benefits of the team’s hard work and effort.
“Coach Thomas and Coach Dickey stress to us the importance of bonding with our teammates and never settling,” Hedgecock said. “We truly understand that even if we have the most talent, that talent is useless without a strong bond.”
Hedgecock looks to take her abilities to the collegiate level; she will be taking official visits to Georgia Southern and University of South Carolina Upstate this fall. Though a major has yet to be decided, these two schools are at the top of her list.
Above all, Hedgecock expresses the value of teamwork and loyalty throughout the roster. She notes that she is truly proud to be a member of the community and wants to bring home a title to add to the town’s already impressive legacy.
“We’re younger this year, but I feel like we know each other better,” Hedgecock said. “Spending that time on JV allowed me to start meeting some of my teammates early, and it has been a big help. We all know that we can depend on each other through anything.”
ITG Web Content
Stealing Home: Lowndes Vikettes Look To Shift Balance Of Power
Written by James Washington
Photo by Micki K Photography
