Ohatchee (AL) – Ohatchee softball outfielder McFry celebrates signing for Southern Union. ‘My dream as a child came true’
Al Muskewitz
Whitney McFry’s most memorable moment was delivering the winning hit against a teammate in the game that sent them to the softball regionals. It was a close 1B to celebrate her signing with Southern Union in order to continue her playing career.
The Ohatchee outfielder, who was signed by the Bison at beginning of the official period a few weeks ago, celebrated her decision Friday at the school with family and friends.
Ohatchee coach Kendall Poe said it was “a celebration for everyone” that Kendall finally took her to Wadley, where she was offered a full scholarship.
McFry stated, “It was another huge (moment),” McFry. McFry said, “There is always that moment when you hit your first homerun. That was the first.” It was, however, a very joyful time. I was overwhelmed. I was stunned when Ally Silva, a Southern Union coach, told me that she would give me a full-length ride.
“When I was younger, I thought of (playing in college), but I realized it wasn’t that important as I grew older. When she shared her story, it made me feel like I had fulfilled my childhood dream.
McFry was part of many significant moments in Ohatchee’s softball history but none as important as her game against Pleasant Valley last year’s regional tournament.
The Lady Indians could not have chosen a better hitter to score the winning run in scoring position for the eighth inning in a scoreless elimination game that was high tension and had lots of tension. The winner got a place in the regionals, while the loser called it a season. McFry was able to hit.394 in the year with 29 RBIs, and a.495 average from the fifth position.
McFry hit a “standard single” in center field, with Ellie Carden at third base and one out. This brought home the winning run. The Ohatchee camp was buzzing so much that Rebecca Hughes, first base coach, had to remind McFry not to touch the bag before she could celebrate her game-winning hit.
Kendall Poe, Ohatchee coach, said that she thinks that conversation was one that I had with her. “I think that was an actual conversation that I had with her. I think that I called time out to tell her that,” Kendall Poe stated. She plays high-class, travel ball and it prepared her for this moment.
“Lily Henry was the one dealing that day. Although she was doing a great job, (McFry), remained calm and waited for her pitch. Then she drove the car right up the middle. That’s what she heard me say to her: “If anyone’s going up here, I’m glad that it’s you.”
She seized the moment when she entered the batter’s container.
She recalled, “I was thinking that I needed to do this now so that the next person doesn’t have to.” “When I hit it, I honestly thought it wasn’t going to work. Although I wasn’t sure where it was, I felt so happy once I hit it.
She was just as happy Friday celebrating her next step in her playing career. She’ll need to make more memories as she gets through her senior season.
Cover Photo: Ohatchee softball pitcher Whitney McFry (R), has a moment with Kendall Poe, before she recreates her signing with Southern Union on Friday.
