Following a state runner-up finish in the 2021 season, Daviess County Head Coach John Biggs Sr. and senior shortstop Abby Newman were recognized for their excellent seasons in the third region.
Abby Newman was tabbed the Third Region Player of the Year, finishing the season with a stellar .512 batting average, along with two home runs and 28 RBIs.
“It is such an honor to be the 3rd Region Player of the Year, as there are so many talented players in our region,” Newman said. “With this being my senior year, I had many goals set for myself going into this last year. This award is truly a testament to my hard work and has shown me that hard work really does pay off. I plan to carry this same mindset into my college athletics and academics.”
Newman said it’s those who have supported her day in and day out that have helped her grow and succeed as her softball career has progressed.
“I am the player I am today because of my support system and I’m very fortunate to have one of the best,” Newman said. “I have the best parents, family, coaches and teammates. They have all pushed me past my limits to be the best version of me, to play “my game” and use my strengths on the field and I’m very thankful for all of them. Every single one of them was invested in my career and my performance, on and off the field.
Biggs Sr. said he’s ecstatic to see the future WKU Hilltopper receive the honor because she’s put in countless extra hours working on herself while also being her teammates’ number one fan.
“I’m so proud to see Abby receive the POY, she has worked so hard to be the best she could be for her senior year,” Biggs Sr. said. “Abby doesn’t play for awards, she is more concerned about getting better, being a great teammate, and the team’s success. It’s awesome to see that the other coaches recognized what we already know.”
Biggs Sr. said to earn the honor amongst so many respected coaches, but that what it really goes to show is that their program’s formula is top notch.
“It’s an honor because it’s being voted on by your peers,” Biggs Sr. said. “Usually this award will coincide with your team’s success, which is more important to me. Also, I think it’s a reflection of the way we run the program and the way our girls play the game and the respect our program has.”
Newman backed up this notion, stating that Biggs Sr. has been extremely instrumental in her and her fellow teammates’ success.
“Coach Biggs is definitely the most deserving coach for this award,” Newman said. “He is the most supportive coach I could ever ask for and he is a big reason our team made the run we did in the state tournament. He has invested so much into the Daviess County Softball team and I know the program will continue to be successful for many more years with Coach Biggs. To be the Ky State Runners Up this year is a huge accomplishment in making program history.”
