Kentwood’s Sarah Wright is The News Tribune’s 2024 All-Area softball player of the year

When Sarah Wright first arrived at Kentwood High School as a 14-year-old freshman four years ago, she looked up on the wall of the Conquerors gymnasium and saw the list of softball records, pitching and hitting.

“I looked up at that board and thought it would be cool if my name was up there,” Wright said.

Many names adorned that record wall when Wright got to Kentwood. In September, when the next Freshman arrives, Wright’s is the only name they will see on the pitching side.

“Over the years, I’d look at it and tell myself, ‘I bet I could beat that one.’” Wright said. “What I wanted to do back then to what I want to accomplish now – my goals just grew.”

Those goals turned into a high school career that includes 906 total strikeouts, a career earned run average of 0.61 (that included a 0.33 in 2022, the first time she earned the All-Area award). She struck out 23 in an extra-inning game this season, and holds other records for strikeouts in a single season (330) and wins/losses (19-1 in 2022).

Oh yeah, and her name is on the hitting side of the board, as well, with her 123 total hits over four years.

This season, she posted a 12-2 record, 1.00 earned run average and 229 strikeouts. At the plate, she hit .486 with four home runs.

As Wright transitions to the next step in her softball career, she not only takes every Conqueror pitching record with her, but now she also takes a second News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year award, as well.

Two years ago as a sophomore, Wright had a monster season to earn the award for the first time. This spring, the University of Arizona-bound senior helped to lead the Conquerors to a fifth-place finish at the 4A state tournament in Richland.

She pitched less than she has in previous seasons. But she also maintained a leadership role when not in the circle by contributing at a position she’d never really played before – shortstop.

“Being named the All-Area player of the year, it just feels like an accomplishment,” Wright said. “I didn’t pitch as much because we had other people who can pitch. It’s difficult to get recognition when you don’t have the same stats.”

The ability to step in at the infield’s field general spot speaks to Wright’s overall athletic ability. In addition to softball accolades, Wright finished second in the state at 155 pounds at Mat Classic in March.

“Sarah simply is one of the best athletes I’ve every been around,” Kentwood softball coach Sydney Eacret said after the Conquerors played Skyview in the 4A District 3/4 championship game in May.

Wright didn’t even throw that game. She made big play after big play defensively from her shortstop position, though.

The senior has participated in both sports since she was little.

“Wrestling was just kind of a family sport,” Wright said. “My dad coaches it. My older brother was a wrestler. I started when I was about 5. I never was that serious about it. But when I got to high school, I really liked it and got more serious.”

Wrestling, Wright says, has helped to develop her softball game, especially on the mental side.

“It’s such a tough sport mentally because you’re doing everything on your own, but still also trying to score points for the team,” Wright said. “So with softball, the pitcher is the one controlling the ball, too. Mentally, then, wrestling has been great preparation.”

That Wright is a wrestler is just one of several facets many don’t always see that nevertheless have contributed to her being a leader at Kentwood.

“Once you get to know her, she’s one of the funniest people you’ll meet, too,” Eacret said. “She’s such a goofy person. It’s a side other people don’t get. It’s her being well-rounded.”

Wright’s humorous side helps her teammates relax, even in high-pressure situations. Her ability to lovingly chide others – even coaches – showed that this last Conquerors softball team Wright will be a part of was just that – a team.

“She’s just a confident young woman,” Eacret said. “Where a lot of people get into a big-time moment and they shrink from that, she does not. She goes all out and does the crazy.”

Take Kentwood’s final game of 2024 at the state tournament. Wright came to bat during one inning with two outs. She took a sign from Eacret to execute a bunt contact play, squaring as if she was going to bunt before resetting as the pitcher threw to swing away.

Most of the time players perform that move, they don’t get a lot of power behind the swing. Wright came within inches of hitting a home run, pounding the ball off the base of the fence for a double, Eacret said.

To begin the same game (their last in high school), she and her fellow seniors went to the pregame plate meeting with the umpires holding hands.

“It was a sad moment,” Wright said. “The last time we’d all be on the same field again. But also a good one. It was a moment.”

It won’t take Wright long to start making more of those moments for the Wildcats.

“I’ve done most of what I could do in high school,” Wright said. “I’m going to travel to play in Italy this summer with my Arizona teammates. We’re going to play the Italian National Team. I’m excited to go into college and make an impact on my team, the fans and our community.”