Cherokee Bluff’s Audrey Graham is not only one of the top softball players in the area but is getting national attention.
Graham, a sophomore at Cherokee Bluff, has become one of the best infielders in the state, according to her high school coach, Josh Joiner.
Her talent has turned the heads of the Premier Girls Fast Pitch organization as she was added to the PGF Futures All-American watchlist as a sophomore.
“Audrey is a special player. She is a real student of the game, and she works very hard to be the best at everything she does,” Joiner said. “Obviously, she is an incredible athlete, but she is also a very humble role model for the younger girls in the program. Over the last two seasons, I have seen her set goals for herself and grow tremendously to achieve them. She has become one of the best defensive infielders in the state in two years’ time just from hard work and grit.”
Graham batted .344 with 20 RBIs and five home runs last season, recording a .374 on-base percentage, a .987 on-base plus slugging percentage, and a .613 slugging percentage.
The PGF Futures All-American watchlist sets Graham on a path to hopefully make the All-American game before her high school career is over.
Graham said on Tuesday that she doesn't see this as a career milestone yet but is focused on getting better throughout spring and summer.
"I am just excited to compete with my teammates this summer," she said. "I am on a travel team where I am constantly surrounded by people who have the same goal as me: to play D1 softball. We all push each other and make each other better. It’s always nice to be recognized among people with whom you have so much respect. However, I know there is a lot of work to be done to reach my goals.
"As I am closing in on September 1st, the day college coaches can reach out, I am expectant to see how the Lord will lead me as I know my story has already been written."
Joiner, who's watched Graham improve over the last two seasons, said she will do anything to help her team win.
“Her freshman year, she had to pitch a lot, and pitching was not one of her strengths. But she stayed after practice often to make herself better because it was what we needed,” he said. “Now we can allow her to focus on shortstop, and I believe that by the time she graduates, she will be at the top of her class in the state.”
