217 Softball One Last Pitch Senior softball players earn awards on their last season. Through the constant grind of practices and regular season games, a group of seniors led the Harding softball team with their impressive play and leadership. Catcher senior Brooke Johnson, infielder Emma Curry and outfielder Macy Ham began their collegiate careers with the Lady Bisons in fall 2021. Through thick and thin, the three have remained at Harding in search of success on the diamond. Curry said it was a “rewarding feeling” to stick with the same group of women for four seasons. “It has been wholesome to make such a special bond,” Curry said. “We have been through the rough times, and we have been through the good times.” Ham said the group often mentions the difficulty of making it through college as a student-athlete. “If you can make it through as a college athlete, you can get through anything,” Ham said. “It’s very satisfying and makes us feel strong considering we are able to do it together.” As the trio continued to develop at Harding, two more players joined the trio of seniors in 2022 and 2023. Senior pitcher Riley Price and senior outfielder Kaya Lee immediately jumped into the success of the team. Price said her teammates were quick to welcome her and Lee to the program. “They really do take you in like family,” Price said. “I remember them always willing to show us around campus if we had any questions about school or practice.” Lee said the bond has made her time at Harding “a big blessing.” “These three have made coming here so easy,” Lee said. “I still go to them if I have any questions to this day. I love them.” The seniors have provided a light to the Lady Bisons as good teammates but also as leaders. Johnson said the seniors made an effort to help improve and develop the new players. “You have to be vocal,” Johnson said. “We do a really good job of handling our business, and in turn, that makes the younger girls want to handle their own business on the field.” Along with their powerful friendships and leadership, the group also produced awardwinning performances and seasons during their time at Harding. Curry earned All-GAC first team in 2022 after tallying 10 home runs and 47 RBIs. JUMPING FOR JOY Senior Lady Bisons softball players Emma Curry and Kaya Lee pose for a fun picture. The team took photos on their media day. Photo by Abigail Callicoat Ham collected back-to-back All-GAC first team honors in 2023 and 2024. The centerfielder led the team in hits, steals and batting average last season. Price earned GAC Newcomer of the Year in 2023 after transferring from the University of Texas at Tyler. The two-way player tallied a .271 batting average along with a 20-5 record on the mound. However, the group attributed their success to the love that the team members share for each other. Ham said the team did a great job of being supportive on and off the field. “The best feeling is knowing that everyone wants you to succeed,” Ham said. “It has always been a healthy way to play the game.” Johnson said the women always shared a common interest in their faith. “It is not only our love for each other, but our love for the Lord,” Johnson said. “That has always been such a big eye-opener for us.” Written by Nic Fraraccio
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