Ava Sharp, River Road softball, Jr. 

On the diamond: Playing behind the motivation of head coach David Smirl, who will retire at the end of the season, Sharp was stellar leading the River Road Lady Wildcats to the fourth round of the UIL Class 4A playoffs for the first time in seven years.

During a 16-3 route of Lamesa in the regional quarterfinals last Friday, the junior slugger feasted on Lamesa pitching going 3-for-6 with three home runs driving in a game-high six RBIs.

Sharp has been a leader for River Road all season hitting .536 through 33 games with 15 homers, eight doubles, four triples totaling 53 RBIs. Sharp is also 8-5 in the circle with 101 strikeouts.

Head coach David Smirl: “This team has been wonderful, and we’ve come together to make this special. They are all playing with their heart and soul, and they don’t want this season to come to an end. It’s almost like a fairytale. Ava is special young lady. She’ll do anything you asks and never questions it. She is a leader and always gets it done for this team whether it’s at the plate or in the circle. She is one of those players that relaxes, trusts her teammates and lets the rest take care of itself.”

Sharp: “We’re all playing for coach Smirl. It’s his last year and we wanted to make this run special. It’s been awesome for us as a team to get this far because a lot of people doubted, we’d be here. We’ve come together and we’re showing just how good we are at the right time. We just want to keep playing as a team and for coach Smirl. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had, and I just learn so much from him.”

About Sharp

Favorite band or musician: NBA YoungBoy

Favorite social media platform: TikTok

Favorite athlete: Taylor Pleasants

Bet you didn’t know: Her nickname is “Smiley” because of her energetic smile.

Parents: Cory and Jaime Sharp