The last few seasons on the softball diamond have been a struggle for Woodrow Wilson to put it mildly.
That has not been the case this season because the Flying Eagles have turned struggles into success.
Two of the key players in the Woodrow Wilson turnaround have been senior slugger Kayla Bird and freshman pitcher Aubrey Smallwood.
The dynamic duo have helped the Flying Eagles build a 13-2 record so far this year which currently includes a nine-game winning streak.
As a result of Bird’s performance in week two and Smallwood’s in week three, both have been earned the Lootpress Player of the Week Award for their respective weeks.
The Lootpress Player of the Week Award is sponsored by Bodyworks and The Law Offices of Brandon Steele.
“It has been a blessing to have strong pitchers like Aubrey and Taylor Scott along with the defense. It allows our offense to work. Our offense at its core is hitting the ball, laying down the bunts, running and causing chaos,” Bird said. “Last year, if we wanted to win it had to be high scoring. This year we can win these two or three run games because of our pitching which has been amazing. I love it as a senior to actually get to do something for the program.”
Bird has always been a solid hitter at the plate over her career, but this year she has terrorized opposing pitchers.
In week two of the season, the big-hitting senior went 8-for-16 at the plate which included three home runs.
“The difference this year is I have gone with the approach of putting the ball in play. I don’t like to strike out. I like hitting the ball,” Bird explained. “I really try to take pitchers deep in the count. My best at-bats seem to come with two strikes. I am a two-strike hitter at heart. I love being in those tense situations. I want to hit the ball hard and do my job, whether that is move a runner, or get an RBI. That has is my job as a clean-up hitter.”
Bird’s home run total reached six this past week with a blast against Greenbrier West as a part of six RBI performance.
Smallwood may not look overly intimidating when she steps in the circle, but she leaves batters scratching their heads as the walk back to the dugout.
Mixing in a collection of pitches that has the ball moving in all directions, double-digit strikeout games have become the norm for the young freshman.
In week three of the season, Smallwood faced two of the area’s better teams in Wyoming East and longtime rival Greenbrier East.
Smallwood proceeded to silence the big bats from both teams collecting 16 strikeouts in each game to lead Woodrow Wilson to the win.
“I was happy with my performance, but I had great defense behind me when the ball got hit. I have had great relief pitching by Taylor Scott. I am really thankful to have her because I couldn’t do this without her,” Smallwood said. “Kayla is really hitting the ball and everyone has stepped up. It is very heart-warming to watch this team play together. Everybody does their part on the field and at the plate. There is never a dull moment.”
“I was included with some of my favorite competitors. I was a little shocked,” Bird said about winning the award. “I grew up with these amazing players and love them to death.”
The week two nominees included Olivia Hylton (Wyoming East), Olivia Barnett (Shady Spring), Josi Ervin (Greenbrier East), Delaney Buckland (Independence) and Shannon Phipps (James Monroe).
Smallwood was also a bit surprised to win her award.
“I am very honored for this blessing. I was up against a lot of tough players. I wasn’t going to be heartbroken if I didn’t win because of the talent in that group. I am honored to receive this award,” Smallwood said.
The week three nominees included Paige Maynard (Shady Spring), Buckland, Hylton, Ervin and Phipps.
Both Bird and Smallwood will be honored at the Lootpress Sports Banquet on May 28.
