By CHAD COOPER, [email protected]
The Lady Wave of Grundy High School put an exclamation point on the final season of Black Diamond District softball, sweeping the league’s top individual awards and placing seven players on the All-BDD First Team as selected by the district’s coaches.
Senior third baseman Ryleigh Church was named the Black Diamond District Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, capping off a standout career in the district’s final year of competition.
“Being named the BDD Player of the Year is something I’m incredibly proud of and grateful for,” Church said. “To be one of the last players to receive this award in Grundy’s history makes it even more special and meaningful to me. Growing up in this program and wearing Grundy across my chest for so many years has given me memories, friendships, and lessons that I’ll carry with me forever. I just want to thank all my coaches and parents for helping me and supporting me along the way.”
Senior pitcher Sophia Belcher earned Black Diamond District Pitcher of the Year honors for the third straight season.
“It means a lot to be named BDD Pitcher of the Year,” Belcher said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaches, and family supporting me all season. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and proud of everything we accomplished together.”
Grundy head coach Christina Bane and her staff were selected as the Black Diamond District Coach and Coaching Staff of the Year after guiding the Lady Wave to a perfect record in BDD play.
The Lady Wave dominated the first team selections, earning seven spots. Belcher and sophomore Savannah Childress were both honored as pitchers, while Childress also earned recognition at first base. Senior Jade Vencill was selected at second base, Church was chosen at third base, junior Leah Rasnake earned honors at shortstop and junior Ava Ward was named to the outfield.
Council High School placed three players on the first team. Senior pitcher Candace Runyon earned first-team honors in the circle, freshman Zoey McGlothlin was selected in the outfield, and senior Ava Rose was recognized as the district’s designated player.
Hurley High School also had a strong showing with four first-team selections. Sophomore Kesha Hagerman was named as a catcher, sophomore Brooklyn Owens earned an outfield spot and junior Emily Mullins was selected as a utility player.
Grundy was also well represented on the second team, led by senior catcher Isabella Looney. Sophomores Maddie Matney and Nevaeh Keene each earned second-team outfield honors.
Hurley landed seven players on the second team. Freshman Jaida Hardin and sophomores Jayla Dotson and Brooklyn Owens were recognized as pitchers. Senior Christina Wolford earned honors at second base; senior Haley Hurley was selected at shortstop; sophomore Jayln Dotson was named to the outfield; and junior Jayda Stacy was chosen as the district’s second-team designated player.
Council added three more selections to the second team. Sophomore Baylee Bostic was honored at first base, junior Megan Hess earned recognition at third base and senior Kayla Johnson was selected as the district’s second-team utility player.
2026 All-Black Diamond District Softball Awards
Player of the Year: Ryleigh Church, Sr., Grundy
Pitcher of the Year: Sophia Belcher, Sr., Grundy
Coach and Coaching Staff of the Year: Christina Bane and staff, Grundy
2026 All-Black Diamond District Softball First Team
Pitcher – Sophia Belcher, Grundy, Sr.
Pitcher – Candace Runyon, Council, Sr.
Pitcher – Savannah Childress, Grundy, So.
Catcher – Kesha Hagerman, Hurley, So.
First Base – Savannah Childress, Grundy, So.
Second Base – Jade Vencill, Grundy, Sr.
Third Base – Ryleigh Church, Grundy, Sr.
Shortstop – Leah Rasnake, Grundy, Jr.
Outfield – Zoey McGlothlin, Council, Fr.
Outfield – Brooklyn Owens, Hurley, So.
Outfield – Ava Ward, Grundy, Jr.
Designated Player – Ava Rose, Council, Sr.
Utility – Emily Mullins, Hurley, Jr.
2026 All-Black Diamond District Softball Second Team
Pitcher – Jaida Hardin, Hurley, Fr.
Pitcher – Jayla Dotson, Hurley, So.
Pitcher – Brooklyn Owens, Hurley, So.
Catcher – Isabella Looney, Grundy, Sr.
First Base – Baylee Bostic, Council, So.
Second Base – Christina Wolford, Hurley, Sr.
Third Base – Megan Hess, Council, Jr.
Shortstop – Haley Hurley, Hurley, Sr.
Outfield – Maddie Matney, Grundy, So.
Outfield – Jayln Dotson, Hurley, So.
Outfield – Nevaeh Keene, Grundy, Fr.
Designated Player – Jayda Stacy, Hurley, Jr.
Utility – Kayla Johnson, Council, Sr.
