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Softball: Hebron's Stearns named Gatorade Texas Softball Player of the Year
By Justin Thomas , jthomas@starlocalnews.com
Hebron softball player Heather Stearns has picked up plenty of hardware during her time as a Hawk. That trend started with her sophomore year when the fireballer led Hebron to not only its first playoff appearance, but a berth in the State Tournament and was named the District 6-5A Defensive Player of the Year.
Two years and two more playoff appearances later, Stearns -- a Baylor signee -- saw her senior year culminate by leading the Hawks to the Region I Final and earning a selection as the Gatorade Texas Softball Player of the Year.
"It was totally unexpected for me," Stearns said. "I actually found out from my college coaches at Baylor and was very excited. Of all of the awards I have received, I think this is the biggest just because of the Gatorade name."
On the field Stearns did it all.
The senior finished 18-9 with a 1.29 ERA in the circle for Hebron, posting 313 strikeouts with just 40 walks in 190 innings. At the plate, Stearns hit leadoff and was tied for second in the area with 15 homers in addition to hitting .413 with 41 RBIs. She also hit four home runs in one game during a non-district tournament.
"[Stearns] was the piece of the puzzle that fit everything together," Jackson said. "If we were sinking emotionally, she was the one that everyone rallied around. And she did everything for us on the field."
In addition to her play, Stearns' efforts off the field impacted the award as well.
According to a press release from Gatorade, Stearns carried a 3.21 GPA, has volunteered at a homeless shelter and food bank, and teaches Sunday School at her church.
"I think they looked at everything," Stearns said. "I enjoy doing a lot of things in the community and working with kids. Next week, I'll be helping out at the Hebron softball camp and will keep giving pitching lessons to kids."
Stearns will head to Baylor in August where she will begin preparation for the upcoming season, though she isn't positive how the Lady Bears will utilize her talents.
"I haven't really discussed it with the coaches," she said. "I assume they aren't going to have me in the field and I have no problem just pitching and hitting. But if they need me in the field, I'll work hard to learn whatever position they want me to play at.
"Either way, I'm very excited and can't wait to get going."
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