Lady Hornet’s value to team visible in versatility, leadership

Bryant Lady Hornet Abby Staton earned the title of Tri-Lakes Edition Softball Player of the Year through her actions both on and off the field during her senior season.
Bryant Lady Hornet Abby Staton earned the title of Tri-Lakes Edition Softball Player of the Year through her actions both on and off the field during her senior season.

Abby Staton cannot be defined by her position on the softball field.

That’s because the former Bryant Lady Hornets standout has played so many of them.

Lady Hornets assistant coach Nathan Castaldi said Staton has found ways to contribute throughout her career.

Even as a freshman during a historic undefeated season capped with a state title for a team that included the likes of Peyton Jenkins, Jessica Taylor and Jenna Bruick, Staton found a way to contribute as a pinch runner and part-time substitute.

“That says something right there,” Castaldi said. Since then, Staton has “played the outfield some for us, pitched some for us. She’s played the infield some for us.”

Staton’s senior statistics are solid. As the Lady Hornets’ three-hole hitter, she hit .300 with a .365 on-base percentage that tallied a total of 10 RBIs and nine doubles in 23 games.

But where Castaldi said Staton could have been most valuable was in the locker room.

“We were a young team this year, and she showed a ton of leadership to our young players,” Castaldi said.

Because she has been all over the diamond in her career as a four-year letterman, Castaldi said, she was able to offer guidance to a variety of the more inexperienced players.

Along with her mentorship, the senior Staton offered a bit of selflessness by conceding her role in the pitching circle to freshman Raven Loveless.

“We talked about that at the end of the year,” Castaldi said. “She handled it great. That’s something that a lot players wouldn’t handle very well. She never complained. I saw her at the beginning of the year take Raven aside a couple of times and just kind of talk to her.”

Staton did, however, still get some time in the circle, compiling a 5-2 record with a 2.37 ERA. Six of her 10 appearances were starts. Otherwise, she was a staple at third base.

“One of the things that I saw from her this year is her mental approach,” Castaldi said. “The game started to slow down for her, and it made her a better hitter. She’s [always] had the talent; she’s had the tools. This year, she was able to put it all together.”

Though Staton’s pedigree includes a state championship as a freshman, she said her senior season was pretty special its own right.

“Our season blew me away,” Staton said. “I was surprised by how it went. We came together really well and beat out a lot of teams that we weren’t expected to.”

Those unexpected wins included one over Van Buren and a pair against Conway, which has become a staunch rival of the Lady Hornets over the past several years.

On April 14 versus Van Buren, Staton went 2-for-3 with a single and a double. She had an identical stat line on May 1 at Conway, a victory in a rivalry game that Staton called the “highlight of our season.”

Conway will continue to hold a special place in Staton’s softball heart as she is set to play for a Conway school — Central Baptist College — next season and major in health sciences.

“I am super excited,” Staton said. “I just knew it was something I wanted to do.”

Staff writer Bruce Guthrie can be reached at (501) 378-3527 or bguthrie@arkansasonline.com.

Upcoming Events