Video: Student Athlete of the Week: Abby Cantrell, Hatley HS, Girls Softball

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HATLEY, Miss. (WCBI) — Hatley High school senior Abby Cantrell has lived and breathed softball and basketball since the seventh grade. She’s  a 5-7 guard who averaged 20 points a game in basketball. In slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball, she pitches and plays first base. Itawamba Community College even offered her a scholarship, but she turned it down to start what she hopes will be a career in physical therapy.

“I just feel like that sports don’t really fit in how my life is gonna go because I got to have really good grades to get into pt school,” said student athlete Abby Cantrell.

But Abby isn’t one dimensional. She’s active in numerous school and community groups and is tied for valedictorian of her class.

“My favorite subject would probably be English because of the writing part and I feel like when you write you can just give your opinion and express yourself and it gives you a chance to just show your individuality,” said Cantrell.

Her balanced approach to school and sports has earned the respect of her coaches and friends. In fact, she is tied with her best friend for valedictorian.

“Abby is a great ball player, but most importantly she’s a great friend and a great role model,” said teammate Mary Kathryn Reeves.

“Abby has been probably the hardest worker that I’ve had on the field. She’s one of those that hates losing than more she loves winning. she brings everybody around her up. She’s quiet possibly the best player and person I’ve every coached,” said Head Coach Chris George.

Abby has her own role models to live up to. Her father is Monroe School Superintendent Scott Cantrell who graduated from Hatley in 1987. Her mother Gaylynn was in the top 5 in her high school class of 215. Even as a member of the exclusive one thousand point club in basketball, Abby is humble about being a part of the school and community’s rich history.

“I’m honored to be apart of the tradition at Hatley because you know there’s so many great basketball players from here and they have all the banners hanging in the gym and that’s really what it meant to me,” said Cantrell.

The Hatley Lady Tigers softball team returns to action Tuesday when the Mantachie Lady Mustangs visit.