KATE PIPPENGER

EUFAULA HIGH SCHOOL

Even though she has been a part of winning basketball and softball teams at Eufaula High School, junior Kate Pippenger says she likes being out on the diamond best.

“I’ve got three brothers that all played baseball, so I’ve been around it a long time and I’ve just got more confidence playing softball.” said Kate who is also in the National Honor Society, FCA, and is vice president of the junior class.

Last fall the Lady Ironheads played their way to the state fast pitch tournament which Kate counts as the highlight of her athletic career so far at Eufaula.

“We started the season pretty hot, but then lost some games on walk-off homers or late inning losses. I think that helped us though when we got to the playoffs because we had been in so many close games. We beat Chandler in the regionals and then had to play Valliant at their place in the super regional. They run-ruled us in the first game but we came back to win the next two games to make it to state and that was pretty thrilling.”

Kate plays shortstop in fast pitch and outfield in slow pitch and her improvement on defense has been a big key to Eufaula’s success according to her coach Ryan Green.

“Kate is a three-year starter for us, and she has really gotten a lot more sure handed and consistent on defense for us,”

The success of the fast pitch season seems to be carrying over to the spring slow pitch campaign as Eufaula finds itself ranked in the top 20.

“This group of juniors and seniors are all pretty tight and we always push each other to do better,” said Kate. “I want to see us go to state in slow pitch and hit more homers than I did last year. My brother Brett is one of my biggest fans and best friends and is always pushing me to do better so I want to get to state and do well so I can come home and celebrate with him.”