Lady Cougars Reflect on Successful Season

With a few days to look back on the recent 2012 season, the Piedmont Academy softball players and coaches realize the campaign was a success even with the team falling just short of the state finals.

The Lady Cougars advanced to the Final Four once again this season, posting more than 20 wins and battled eventual state champion Flint River in two close regular season contests.

“It was a successful season when you look back on it,” coach Danny Camp said. “We are thankful for it. We certainly had a great year. There are ups and downs to every season and it’s unfortunate our down was at the very end.”

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Senior Heather Tyler said the season was “quite an experience.”

“I think our offense really kicked in this year when compared to the past,” Heather said. “As usual, our defense was hot and kept us in the game against some teams. All of our players bonded and became closer as each day passed.”

Fellow senior Brittany Germany said she wouldn’t trade the 2012 season for anything.

“I will always remember our last game against Randolph Southern,” Germany said. “Everybody played their hardest even though we eventually lost.”

Germany said she believes she accomplished most of her goals for the 2012 season.

Junior Carla Martin, who will be one of the key returning players next fall for the Lady Cougars, said no player ever stopped trying to be successful.

“We accomplished many of our goals we set to begin the season,” Martin said.

The work ethic of the team is something Camp will always remember in future seasons.

“These players came to each practice and each game ready to work,” Camp said. “The week before the Final Four, I asked Coach (Dan) Funt if he remembered a player missing a practice. We couldn’t think of one. They battled through sickness and injuries. That is a big reason we had the results we did. This group worked as a team. There was no drama involved. Everyone got along and came out and pushed each other to be better ball players.”

Anna Jones, who will also return in 2013, said she will remember the team trip to Panama City, which helped serve as a bonding experience for the players. Jones said for a personal goal next fall, she’d like to improve her batting average.

“We had an overall great season,” said freshman Haley Tyler. “The seniors on our team this season will always be remembered.”

Seniors for 2012 include Heather Tyler, Hailey Burnham, Kacy Swart and Germany.

“I know this team will do great things in the future,” Heather Tyler said. “I’ll remember our Senior Night the most. I won’t forget the way I felt standing on my base playing against our biggest rival, batting in the No. 2 spot and hearing all our fans support us. It was the most fans I’ve seen at a game. I’ll remember the feeling of playing my heart out. I was on the field with my teammates, but also my best friends.”

Despite the season ending just shy of the state championship series, Camp said the accomplishments from 2012 would not forgotten.

“We have nothing to hang our heads about,” the coach said. “We only lost six games all year. Overall, I am very proud. It’s an approach of ‘we’ve been there and let’s continue to get there.’ Our goal should be do to at least as well every year.”

The Lady Cougars will be recognized at a banquet Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the school.

“I’m really proud of the girls this year,” said assistant coach Dan Funt said. “I felt like they really played together as a group. That allowed them to win some tough games. I know they are upset we didn’t go further. But, three Final Four appearances in three years is an awesome accomplishment.

“Some really good teams didn’t make it three years in a row. That puts things in perspective. Those coming back know what it takes to get there, and hopefully they can get over that hurdle. I will miss the seniors, and they have greats memories of this program and high school softball to take with them in their future.”

The success enjoyed during the season would not have been possible with the support the team received, Camp said.

“We are very thankful for the support from parents, students, the school and community,” Camp said. “The support was tremendous. This team has been a very special group to me. They will be hard to replace considering the hours they have put in and where they have helped take our program.”