Softball’s hard work rewarded with All-Conference honors
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (Apr. 26, 2023) - The Appalachian Athletic Conference announced all-conference awards on Wednesday, April 26. Multiple players on the softball team received honors in the following categories: First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Champions of Character Award, and the All-Academic team.
AAC Softball Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference: Haley Lyner
The Senior from Oxford, Alabama, turned it up to a different level this season and was a force to be reckoned with whenever she stepped on the field. Lyner was locked in from start to finish as she earned AAC Player of the Week at the beginning stages of the season. As the Skyhawks started to pick up some steam with an eight-game winning streak, Lyner earned her second player of the week honors with a week of batting .550, driving 13 runs, scoring eight, two home runs, and two stolen bases. Overall on the season, Lyner finished with a .414 batting average, 53 RBIs (Ranked Top 10 in the NAIA), 70 Hits (Fourth in the NAIA overall), 15 Doubles (31st in the NAIA), eight home runs (41st in the NAIA), 11 Stolen bases,—449 On Base Percentage, and a .657 Slugging Percentage. The way Haley Lyner has worked on her craft day in and day out has been living proof as she can now add being a First Team All-Conference player and the AAC Softball Player of the Year. Lyner’s story as a Skyhawk is yet to be finished as she looks to help her team make noise in the AAC Conference Tournament.
First Team All-Conference: Gabrielle Riley
The Senior from Crestview, Florida, plays with the passion that any coach can be proud to have on their roster. Riley started the season as the starting catcher before transitioning to playing Third Base. She knew that the team had the potential to be great and was willing to put in the work to contribute in any way she could, even if she had to play multiple positions. Riley has created some excitement for the Skyhawk fans, including the walk-off RBI Single from Kayla Wyatt, where Riley slid into home plate for the victory against the Knights. She also put pressure on opposing pitchers with a will to get on base. Riley finished the season with a .315 Batting Average, 39 Hits, 13 Doubles, five home runs, 25 RBIs, 19 Walks (Ranked 75th in the NAIA), 28 runs,—414 On Base Percentage, and a .540 Slugging Percentage. Gabrielle Riley’s passion shows each time she steps on the field, but her favorite impact that she will always want to be most remembered for is elevating everyone around her.
Second Team All-Conference: Taylor Knight
The Senior from Carrollton, Georgia, maybe a player who does not talk much about her game in interviews, but her impact on the field is loud and clear. Taylor Knight is another senior who came into the season with experience and determination to help the Skyhawks add another winning season to the books. Knight was also an integral part of Point Softball, ranked #5 in the NAIA with hits for the season. Having Taylor Knight at-bat after Haley Lyner can keep anyone on their toes. Taylor Knight finished the season with a .410 batting average, 46 RBIs, 66 Hits, 24 Runs, 13 Doubles,—449 On Base Percentage, and .528 Slugging Percentage. Knight’s impact on the field is a sight; the Skyhawks have been blessed with her presence.
Champions of Character: Kayla Wyatt
Regarding the five core values of respect, integrity, servant leadership, responsibility, and sportsmanship, Kayla Wyatt is the perfect choice for that award. The Senior from Moundville, Alabama, is beloved by her peers in Point Softball and the entire Skyhawk Community. Wyatt plays with the passion that makes others want to follow and tries to bring a smile to everyone off the field. Kayla Wyatt shifted from Second Base to Shortstop this season and showed why you could plug her anywhere. Wyatt batted. 291, had 27 RBIs, 37 Hits, 10 Doubles, 22 Runs, and one home run. Wyatt is also an AAC Player of the Week after her performance against St. Andrews with the walk-off RBI Single. Anytime you watch Kayla Wyatt, you can never question her leadership or effort.
AAC All-Academic Team
McKensie Barnes
Mary Michael Burnham
Devon Foster
Maggie Harris
Wellsley Henderson
Ariyon Hightower
Katelyn Jiles
Taylor Knight
Skye Loftin
Brianna Plocharczyk
Gabrielle Riley
Sabrina Russell
Zada Smith
Kayla Wyatt