Spring 2010 Female Athlete of the Year:

SHELBY BRYANT, Sophomore—Softball

* SMAA All-Conference, first team

While the McAuley softball’s team unexpected and thrilling rise featured myriad contributors, one player was usually the catalyst.

Shelby Bryant, a leadoff hitter extraordinaire, propelled the Lions’ offensive attack, getting key hits and stealing bases. She also played solid defense and helped her team boast its best-ever record and make a stunning run to the playoffs.

For emerging as a top threat and for helping her team become the feel-good story of the season, Shelby Bryant gets The Forecaster’s nod as McAuley’s Spring 2010 Female Athlete of the Year.

Bryant lives in South Portland and started playing softball in seventh grade. As a freshman at McAuley, she and her teammates struggled to a 4-12 record, but everything was different this spring. The Lions began the year with an astonishing 13-12 come-from-behind over Cheverus (scoring nine times in their final at-bat), captured 10 of their first 11 contest and wound up 11-5 before dropping a hard-fought 6-4 decision at eventual state champion South Portland in the quarterfinals.

Bryant’s highlights included two hits in the win over Cheverus, two hits versus Bonny Eagle, three hits and an RBI against Sanford, a three-run homer versus Deering, four hits and two steals in a 25-0 domination of Windham and two hits and an RBI in the playoff loss to the Red Riots.

Bryant led the SMAA with 29 hits, batted .526 for the season and led the Lions with 21 runs scored and eight steals, stats that were good enough to get her named to the all-conference team.

Bryant, who plays first base, is also a striker on the soccer team, participates in the Varsity, Key and Ambassadors Clubs and plays centerfield with the Frozen Ropes U-18 ASA team. She hopes to play softball in college.

The Lions are glad she still has two years of high school ball remaining. Shelby Bryant, McAuley’s Spring 2010 Female Athlete of the Year, has all the skills and helped her team make an amazing leap.

Coach Robbie Ferrante’s comment: “Shelby was our spark plug and was a big part of our success. If she got on base, we were successful. She came to play every day. She loves to play.”

2009 winner: Erin Woodbury (tennis)

2008 winner: Katelyn Call (softball)

2007 winner: Abby Iselborn (track)

2006 winner: Abby Iselborn (track)

2005 winner: Abby Iselborn (track)

2004 winner: Maureen Wark (lacrosse and track)

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