The Lebanon News | Anthony Stevens | Photo Credit: Anthony Stevens
HONAKER – On Wednesday in a ceremony at A.P. Baldwin Gymnasium Honaker softball standout Anna Dye signed with Southwest Virginia Community College.
“It’s definitely scary, I’ve always played with teams I know,” Dye said. “It will be a new experience, but I think it will be good for me to get out of my comfort zone and go play with Southwest.”
Dye is a hard worker at arguably the toughest position on the field, catcher. It has been a long trip of softball to get to this point.
“I’ve played softball since I was four years old, I’ve played travel ball since I was nine,” commented Dye. “I was reluctant the first time I was stuck behind the plate, but I realized it was what I was meant to do. It’s in my blood, my dad and pap paw. It’s been a long time coming, there have been a lot of tears shed, smiles, great friends made, and family. It’s an experience I’ll be grateful for the rest of my life.”
There are games remaining to be played for the Tigers as the only senior on the roster. In 15 games Dye is hitting at a .268 clip with two doubles, a triple, and nine RBIs. She has a .741 on-base percentage and six assists defensively at catcher.
“Anna has been a solid catcher for us and a leader,” Honaker coach Donovan Helton said. “Always hurting and never complaining. She works hard every day and never questions anything we ask her to do. Anna is a great kid to have around, always happy. It will be a big loss for us when she graduates. She has been good for our team and good for me. I wish Anna the best of luck, she’ll do great because she has a good work ethic.”