MAGGIE HICKS

>> WHY SHE WON

Sheridan High School senior Maggie Hicks has not only played softball since she was 4; she has played at shortstop since she began the sport. A force on both offense and defense, she completed 10 home runs this season, helping the Lady Yellowjackets win their third consecutive Class 6A state title. Those accomplishments and more helped set Hicks apart as the All-Arkansas Preps Outstanding Softball Player of the Year. “I’m very humbled and blessed to have won this award,” she said. “I’ve worked very hard, and I’m seeing it pay off.” During the team’s 17-2 victory over Marion, Hicks went 4 for 4 and hit an inside-the-park home run. Tamara Strawn, Sheridan’s head softball coach, said the feat was a testament to Hicks’ speed. “She’s just that crazy fast. We always say she’s faster than a hiccup,” Strawn said, adding that Hicks leads by example. “Everybody feeds off of her as far as her energy level, her speed and her desire.” Hicks said she has found plenty of reasons to stick with the sport throughout the years. “I love competing. I love being outside, so I love being able to play the game outside,” she added. “I love that I can give all the glory to God on the softball field.” Hicks also plays volleyball and excels in the classroom, having graduated with honors. She serves the community through her church and plans to visit Alamo, Texas, on a mission trip this summer. “She is an all-around good person,” said her father, Byron Hicks. “Her spirit, her character and her attitude are as good or better than her athletic abilities. I think she is a good person and well-deserving of this award.” Maggie Hicks will continue her softball career at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she plans to study social work in hopes of becoming a counselor. Playing at the collegiate level is an honor in itself, Byron Hicks said.