With the conclusion of the 2021 high school softball season occurring over the weekend, the Smoky Mountain Conference has released its All-Conference list.
As expected, the line-up is full of Robbinsville Lady Knights. In addition to Billy Knight being named the Coach of the Year, Memory Frapp, Maggie Knight, Ivy Odom and Zoie Shuler were each awarded All-Conference recognition. Halee Anderson, Aynsley Fink and Gabby Hooper also received spots on the Honorable Mention list.
A dual threat, Frapp – a freshman – batted a healthy .596 at the plate this year, with 28 hits (five doubles, 23 RBIs) and a team-leading five home runs. As the ace of the pitching staff, she also logged 63.1 innings inside the circle, posting a 10-1 record, 72 strikeouts and a 1.66 ERA.
“Memory is ne of the most talented freshman Robbinsville High School has ever had,” coach Knight boasted. “A great competitor, who will have an opportunity to play at the collegiate level.”
Maggie Knight – a Chattanooga State-commit and Robbinsville’s starting catcher – led the team with a .633 batting average (six doubles, 19 RBIs) and smashed four homers of her own. She finishes her high school career with a .618 average, 18 home runs, 118 hits and 122 RBIs.
“Maggie is one of the best hitters to ever play in the state of North Carolina,” assessed coach Knight. “A great catcher, with a cannon for an arm.”
Odom – a junior, and the Lady Knights’ starting first baseman – batted .378 this season, with 17 hits, three doubles and 10 RBIs mixed in. She also led the team in put-outs, with 85.
“Ivy is one of the leaders on the team, from the moment she walks onto the field,” said coach Knight. “A ferocious competitor, who hates to lose. A solid first baseman, with a great glove and a powerful bat.”
Another freshman – and starting second-baseman, Shuler – made a name for herself in the varsity ranks this season, with a .500 batting average (23 hits, five doubles, two triples, 18 RBIs) and also launched three home runs. She also led the team in stolen bases – with 15 to her credit – and tallied 25 assists to lead the Robbinsville defense.
“Zoie is also one of the most talented freshman Robbinsville has ever had, as well,” coach Knight said. “She has all the tools to be a collegiate player after her time at Robbinsville.”
Anderson was Robbinsville’s starting right fielder. A junior, Anderson posted a .360 batting average, with two doubles, six RBIs and three stolen bases.
“Halee is one of the hardest-working kids at Robbinsville High School,” noted coach Knight. “She really shines as an outfielder. Any ball hit in her vicinity – you can count on it; it will be caught.”
Fink started in both left and center field this season for the Lady Knights and became revered for her ability to reach base via “slap hit.” All told, Fink had a .412 average (14 hits, three doubles, seven RBIs) and swiped 12 bases.
“Aynsley is a rare, athletic talent,” said coach Knight. “Her tremendous speed and range – combined with a very good throwing arm – helped her emerge as the best outfielder in the Smoky Mountain Conference.”
Hooper – who has signed to play college softball at Brevard – batted .277, which included five doubles, 15 RBIs and one home run. Overall, she batted .305 while with the Lady Knights, with five home runs and 44 RBIs.
“Gabby is solid, in all aspects of the game,” coach Knight bragged. “She is a versatile athlete, who can play anywhere on the field.”