Lady Rebels senior provides stability for club in final campaign

Published 11:51 pm Sunday, August 14, 2016

There’s not many things Adams County Christian School’s Anna McDaniel can’t accomplish on the softball field.

The senior has done it all for the Lady Rebels in the early going, playing shortstop, second base and even taking to the circle to lead her squad to a 3-2 record.

“I see a lot of hustle out of her and a lot of effort,” first-year coach Tate Lipscomb said. “She’s able to be a utility player and go and play anywhere.”

Email newsletter signup

Taking on the role of being a versatile player is nothing new for McDaniel.

“I’ve played pretty much everywhere since I was little,” McDaniel said. “I’ve played short since I was little, and I’ve played second since high school.”

Not only does McDaniel provide a strong defensive presence, but also serves as a primary catalyst in leading off for ACCS.

“She’s been our most consistent hitter the past few games,” Lipscomb said. “She’s pretty stout. She tries hard at every position — having a lot of heart and a lot of ability helps out.”

While McDaniel brings plenty to the table on the field, Lipscomb said perhaps it’s what she provides away from the field that has proven most valuable.

“She’s very laid back,” Lipscomb said. “She likes to clown, likes to have fun, which is good because that keeps the morale of the team up. She’s got a great attitude, and that makes for a good atmosphere.”

McDaniel said she has seen her role grow through the years, culminating in her senior campaign where she will attempt to set the best example she can for the next crop of players.

“I try to be a good, Christian player that is dedicated,” McDaniel said. “I just really love the game.”

While McDaniel remains focused on one game at a time, the senior noted she has an eye on a potential title run.

“I really hope we can make it to the bigger levels, maybe go further in state than we did last year, and maybe even get a ring,” McDaniel said.

Yet no matter how McDaniel and Lady Rebels close out the year, McDaniel will best remember her time at ACCS with her teammates.

“I’m going to remember the work me and my teammates put in,” she said. “Going at it with my friend Bailey (Boyd), we’ve been going at it together since we were little.”