Central’s Gracie Deaton named All-Bi-City Spring Softball Pitcher of the Year

Central softball player Gracie Deaton entered her junior season after a strong sophomore campaign with the team. Deaton worked to make even more noise as a junior, and when the season was said and done, it was apparent she did just that.

Deaton was hard to decipher in the circle for Central this past season. She won 26 games for a Central team that needed her to lead the way after other pitchers dealt with injury issues. She also posted 144 strikeouts and ended the year with a 2.60 ERA.

Thanks to her play, Deaton has been selected as the All-Bi-City Spring Softball Pitcher of the Year.

Deaton explained her work toward the 2017 season started when the school year began in August. Central pitching coach Misha Aldridge put Deaton and the other pitchers through a number of scenarios mimicking real-game situations. Deaton also had an extensive workout regimen, which included leg circuits as well as sprint and long-distance running.

“I didn’t focus so much on playing a bunch in the offseason; I was focused more on getting stronger and being mentally stronger for the season,” Deaton said. “I think it paid off.”

The mental aspect of the game came into play with senior pitcher Alexa Shiver was sidelined early in the season. Suddenly, the Lady Red Devils turned to Deaton to step up and lead the way from the circle.

Deaton proved the task was one she was more than capable of taking on.

“I love pitching and I love going out there and doing my best to help my team,” Deaton said. “I really enjoyed that I got to pitch as much as I did this season even though the other pitchers got hurt.”

During the season, Deaton was part of some memorable moments for Central.

Against Wetumpka on the University of Auburn’s softball field, Deaton had one of her best games, putting up nine strikeouts. In late April, Deaton and Central beat Rehobeth 6-2, a win Deaton said was Central’s first ever victory against the team. The Lady Red Devils also won their area for the sixth straight season, something Deaton said she was proud of being a part of.

“It’s important to me and (head coach Mitchell) Holt, and I think it’s important to a lot of other people at our school,” Deaton said. “It’s nice to know I’m a part of that and I helped contribute to that.”

The Lady Red Devils ultimately lost in the Class 7A regionals, leaving Deaton to begin preparing for her senior season earlier than she was hoping. Deaton said she’s only playing two or three tournaments while school’s out, instead focusing a lot of her time on strength training.

As far as her senior season is concerned, Deaton wants to propel Central further into the playoffs, but above it all, she just wants to enjoy her final season as a Lady Red Devil.

“I want to do good, but I want to have fun,” Deaton said. “I think as a team the definite goal is to go to state and hopefully win state. The goal for us really is to show good leadership as a team and become a big family. We have most of our varsity returning, so we’re all pretty close.

“I had a really good season my sophomore year, and I didn’t know if I was going to have a better one this year. I think I did. I hope to build on that for next year.”

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Central’s Gracie Deaton named All-Bi-City Spring Softball Pitcher of the Year."