Senior Jessica Schooley became the second Pea Ridge athlete in as many weeks to be named to an Arkansas 4A All-Star team in two different sports.
After helping lead the Blackhawks to a breakout year in volleyball and being named all-state in that sport, Schooley led the 'Hawk softball team to a second straight appearance in the Regional Tournament and was named 4A All-State as a pitcher-infielder.
Having one of the best ERAs (earned run averages) in the state, Schooley limited teams to under three runs a game and was the winning pitcher of 11 games this season. For her efforts, Schooley was awarded an athletic scholarship to play softball for the Crowder College Roughriders in Neosho, Mo., for the 2015 season.
Having some past experience in track and field, Schooley threw the shot put for the 'Hawks track team in this year's district meet in what was expected to be a tight battle between Pea Ridge and Berryville. Schooley responded by claiming second place and qualifying for the state championships. Her 8 points loomed large in what ended in a 10-point team victory over the Bobcats for the district title.
Schooley began her softball career for the 'Hawks as a ninth-grade third baseman. Team played improved every year until Pea Ridge finally improved enough to qualify for the regional in 2013. With a lot of graduated seniors this year, the 'Hawks weren't expected to do as well but with Schooley's ascension to the mound, the locals surprised pundits and had an outstanding year again.
"The games I remember most this season was beating Gravette for the first time, then beating 5A Harrison then beating 7A Cabot in a tournament game." Schooley said. "Playing and beating Harrison was a very intense game and I think the experience made us better."
"Coach Reynolds really helped us," Schooley continued. "He believed in us and helped us believe in ourselves."
The hard-throwing pitcher was also appreciative of the new indoor multi-use sports facility the school erected two years ago. Having somewhere to practice in bad or inclement weather was invaluable.
Schooley's first experience in representing Pea Ridge in athletics was back in the second grade playing for the local Little 'Hawk girls' basketball team. That group of girls was the first to ever claim a team title in the league that Pea Ridge plays in, a year later as third graders.
As a recently graduated senior, Schooley will be in Neosho for the next two years at Crowder but hasn't decided where she will finish up her college degree. Her plans include seeking a degree in education to pursue a career as a teacher and also as a coach.
Sports on 06/18/2014