Led by the 2025 Class 5A Area 14 Coach of the Year Rick Lawson, the Russellville High School varsity softball team landed nine players on the All-Area team. The team was announced on June 10.
The Lady Golden Tigers had four First Team All-Area 14 selections, three Second Team players, and two Honorable Mentions. Ticelee Gholston, an ASWA All-State Honorable Mention and a Franklin Free Press All-County First Team player, was joined by Alexia Groce, Bri McCulloch, and Kaylee Suggs on the First Team.
Taitum Bishop, Khristyan Huerta, and Chloe James were tapped for the Second Team. Sadie Odom and Blevyn Sappington were Honorable Mentions.
“This group showed a sense of pride and determination from the start. Being that young and really inexperienced as far as playing at the varsity level, they never backed down nor hung their heads,” Lawson told the Franklin Free Press. “It’s a great compliment to that work ethic when the coaches in our area recognize them for that growth.
“One of the best compliments we received was from an area coach when he said, ‘They just don’t quit! That’s what makes them hard to beat!’” he added.
Russellville led the area with the most players selected; rivals Lawrence County had seven players selected and West Point had four. Lawrence County did, however, sweep in the yearly awards category with Alivia Templeton named Offensive Player of the Year, Bella Cross earning Pitcher of the Year honors, and Alivia Terry taking home the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Lawson, the Coach of the Year in the area, despite an overall 12-33-1 record, led the Lady Golden Tigers to a berth in the AHSAA Class 5A North Regional where, after getting an opening win over Ardmore, they were eliminated by eventual state tournament qualifier Boaz.
“Being named Coach of the Year is a great honor but that award doesn’t happen without my players,” Lawson said.
Many of the student-athletes on Russellville’s softball roster play other sports, as well. Lawson is hopeful that the softball team’s momentum can carry over to other sports and then on to next season.
“I hope the work ethic, fight, and determination these young ladies showed this spring will carry over into the volleyball and basketball programs to create an exciting environment at Russellville,” he said.
“Prior to softball signups being announced, I would be asked by students, ‘When will tryouts be for next season? I want to come be a part of that excitement and atmosphere,’” Lawson added. “What a statement by their fellow classmates at Russellville, and what a great foundation they just laid out for future success. I’m excited for the future and thankful to be their coach.”
Commenting on this story has been disabled.
