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Jemison’s Hannah Rose Corbin was named The Clanton Advertiser Softball Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

Many of the same qualities that earned her the honor of player of the year in 2017 were there once again a year later. Power is a major aspect of Corbin’s game in both hitting and pitching.

However, her path to success was met with some new obstacles.

Her prowess at the plate was well known, and opponents began pitching around her as a strategic move.

In several cases, the opposing team would rather walk her than give her something hittable that she could send over the fence.

According to Corbin, this was the first time in her career that she had experienced that type of approach from opposing pitchers.

“It was something to get used to at first, but then it turned into a form of respect,” Corbin said.

As a result, she had to change her mindset at the plate and become even more patient.

“I got used to hitting the outside pitch,” Corbin said.

Corbin began playing softball when she was 8 years old and started pitching at 10 years old.

“I like to be in control of the game,” Corbin said. “I really like that aspect of it [pitching].”

During the season head coach Nathan Hayes adjusted the batting order with Corbin slotted in at the leadoff spot.

This was another entirely new experience for Corbin, who had never hit leadoff prior to being thrust into the role during her senior season.

“You’re starting the game off, and it’s up to you to set the tone early,” Corbin said.

Corbin settled into the leadoff spot and found success as she had before only a couple of spots further up in the order.

The Panthers won the 2018 Chilton County Softball Tournament and made another deep postseason run thanks to the contributions from players such as Corbin.

According to Corbin, the seniors had to step up as leaders in more ways than one, especially after receiving word during the season about the death of former teammate and JHS alum Jessica Paschal.

“We wanted to go far for her [Paschal],” Corbin said. “We all bonded as a team.”

According to Corbin, pitch selection and accuracy when hitting spots has improved drastically during her high school career.

This improvement has helped her to become a high strikeout pitcher.

“My freshman year I used to just get up there and throw, and I gave up a lot of runs and hits,” Corbin said. “A lot of it takes confidence.”

 

All-Advertiser First Team

Pitcher: Hannah Rose Corbin, Jemison

Pitcher: Adi Niamon, Thorsby

Catcher: Madison Motley, Billingsley

Infield: Kristin Wilson, Isabella

Infield: Jayda Jones, Isabella

Infield: Katie Payton, Maplesville

Utility: Shelby Crowson, Jemison

Designated hitter: Irelan Childress, Thorsby

 

All-Advertiser Second Team

Pitcher: Kaylee Wright, Maplesville

Catcher: Marlie Giles, Chilton County

Infield: Erristen Evans, Jemison

Infield: Janiya White, Verbena

Infield: Caelyn Griffin, Chilton County

Utility: Abby Cleckler, Thorsby

Utility: Trinity Cox, Isabella

Utility: Abby Tindol, Billingsley