Softball seniors honored
Lady Blackhawk seniors were recognized prior to the game Monday, April 8, for Senior Night.
Seniors this year are Callie Cooper, No. 25; Abigayle Fuller, No. 19; Rebekah Konkler, No. 22; Kayleigh Mathis, No. 10; and Jitka Smekalova, No. 17.
Highlights of the Class of 2024, according to coach Josh Reynolds, include:
• Achieved 67 wins;
• Been a part of 19 school records;
• Contributors to the 2021 State Finals Runner up:
• Contributors to the 2023 State Finals Runner up;
• Three trips to the Regional Tournament in 2021, 2022, 2023 seasons;
• Two trips to the State Tournament in 2021 and 2023 seasons; and
• Five seniors have accomplished a GPA of 3.9.
They are the leaders of the weekly FCA Softball Huddle.
“This senior group is what success looks like. This group has experienced success in the classroom and on the softball field,” Reynolds said.
“This group has and continues to experience success throughout their lives. They have handled adversity on and off the field and have become better people because of it. From the coaches, we want to thank each of you and your families for the constant support, time and dedication to the Pea Ridge High School softball program, and leaving it better than when you entered.”
Cooper is the daughter of Sabrina and Justin Cooper. She has been playing softball for 13 years and has been a part of the Lady Blackhawks for four years. She has signed a letter of intent to play softball at Crowder College after high school. Her favorite memory is getting stuck in Russellville, America.
Fuller is the daughter of Mecca Fuller and stepfather Zach Butterfield. She has played softball for five years and been a part of the Lady Blackhawks for one year. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Arkansas to study nursing and work as a Certified Nursing Assistant while getting her degree. She said she couldn’t name a favorite softball memory as the “whole year has been amazing and I’m so beyond happy to be a part of the Pea Ridge Softball team.”
Konkler is the daughter of Heath and Amber Konkler. She has played softball for 13 years and been a part of the Lady Blackhawks for four years. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith, and major in business and marketing. Her favorite memory is when coach Elzie Yoder chugged two red bulls and a coffee and started Army crawling across the facility with a football helmet on.
Mathis is the daughter of Larry and Casey Mathis. She has played softball for 10 years and been a part of the Lady Blackhawks for two years. She plans to attend cosmetology school after graduation. Her favorite memory is the practice when coach Josh Reynolds asked her to spell “stupid” and she got confused and said Kay-Lei-gh.
Smekalova is a foreign exchange student living with Tammy Mullins. She has played softball for four years and with the Lady Blackhawks for one year. She plans to attend the University of the Czech Republic after graduation. Her favorite memory is getting to extra league with her Czech team.