Annika Dill is highly regarded as one of the top softball players in the state.

The Poteau senior infielder, who is committed to the University of Tulsa, has the numbers to back that up. Dill clubbed 13 home runs last year as a junior, which led all classes from 4A down. She also hit .516 with 28 doubles.

For her final season, she’s all about enjoying the moment and having fun.

“Simply have fun since it’s my senior year and soak it all in,” Dill said.

Dill had a battle with adversity following an ACL injury, but she says she has more speed than ever after recovering.

“Coming off an ACL injury was tough on me, but I worked my butt off and I feel I’m faster than I’ve ever been,” she said.

At the plate, Dill can cover every area of the field. “My strengths are my ability to hit the ball to all parts of the field. Not just pulling the ball, I can also hit the ball to the opposite side,” she said.

Greeting her father and head coach Ryan Dill at third base every time she circles the bases are always her most cherished moments.

“My most memorable moments in all of my high school career would be every time I hit a homerun rounding third base and getting to see my dads big smile and giving him a high five,” Annika said.

Annika, who’s biggest goal is to help get the Pirates to the state tournament and go as far as possible, looks up most to former University of Oklahoma standout Grace Lyons.

“I love how she plays for more than the game, and puts God first,” she said.