Carroll a leader for Shen

Athlete of the Year: Emily Carroll, Shenendehowa

Not only did Emily Carroll let her play do her talking for the Shenendehowa softball team this spring, but she also used her talking to help the Lady Plainsmen excel on the field.

When she was not hitting, Carroll was shouting encouragement when her teammates batted.

"I would say I am a very aggressive and loud player on the field. I love to communicate with my teammates," Carroll said. "That is all I do. I love to cheer on my teammates and I am so grateful to be part of such a great team sport."

Even more importantly, the junior center fielder was constantly in motion on the field and using her voice to help enhance the play of others.

"I think it is important, especially when letting others know where to go with the ball before the next pitch," Carroll said. "Even if the ball is not hit to me, I am letting the others know where to throw. When the ball goes to the other outfielders, I have a visual on what is going on and I try to make it easier on them on where to go with the ball."

Shenendehowa coach Chris Farquharson valued Carroll's ability to essentially be a coach on the field.

Said Farquharson: "In writing a speech about our most honored player for our team banquet, I had people during the season come to me and say, 'I love your center fielder and how she is talking, moving back and forth and communicating.' Everything is super positive to help everyone around her."

Clearly, Carroll's all-around skills were noticed by her teammates and opponents alike as she was selected as both the Suburban Council and Section II Player of the Year.

The 2019 season did not start the way the Lady Plainsmen anticipated as they dropped a 5-2 home decision against Colonie.

"The season was great overall," Carroll said. "After that...