Richardson proved to be a key figure for Smackover
Once she caught on to what was occurring, Reagan Richardson became a vital asset for Smackover.
The Lady Buckaroos were hindered by inconsistency at the opening of their campaign. Of course, Richardson was not immune to the ragged start.
Even in the moments when Smackover's performance vexed coach Mike Poff, he remained patient with the team. The coach knew his team was capable of performing at a level conducive to compiling victories. Among the main reasons for Poff’s unwavering confidence in the Lady Buckaroos was Richardson. A talented freshman who had flashed tons of potential at the plate and in the field, Poff knew it was only a matter of time before Richardson would bust out of her shell.
Once she rounded into form, the varsity softball novice made her presence felt.
“She came on well as a ninth grader. Once she got going, there was no stopping her. In fact, Manila never got her out during our state tournament game,” Poff said. “She was just hitting the ball around like a laser-beam. She also played a solid third base. She could catch and throw the ball well.”
In the latter stages of the season especially, as Smackover won the Class 3A Region 4 tourney, Richardson shined bright. She finished the year with a batting average of .400.
“She’s a student of the game. She also has a lot of desire to do well. She had a lot of focus. She worked hard at it. Reagan lives across the street from the softball field. Sometimes she’d come back to the field after we’re through practicing and practice even more,” the coach said. “We’ve talked about the level of her swing and other small fundamental stuff, but that was it. She always worked hard.”
For her quality performance this season, Richardson was named the 2015 NewsTimes Softball Rookie of the Year.
Poff was cognizant of Richardson's talent and work ethic well before she donned a Lady Buckaroo uniform.
“I knew she had good ability. I knew about her. I knew she could play,” Poff said. “I knew she would be pretty good. But I didn’t know how good she could be.”
Richardson’s adaptation process was quick. In fact, she might have been one of the first Lady Buckaroos to find a rhythm, according to Poff.
“She stepped right in there and played