SHELBY — There’s no telling what Shelby’s Kennadie Goth will accomplish on the softball diamond now that she can focus all of her attention on one sport.
The Richland Source Player of the Year, Goth divided her time among four sports throughout her high school career. She was especially busy in the spring, when she moonlighted as a two-time All-Ohio long jumper and, most recently, a member of the Whippets’ Division II state runner-up 4×400 relay team.
She also was a standout volleyball player and an All-Ohio basketball player, but softball is where her heart is.
“I just have a passion for softball,” Goth said.
The speedy senior, who ranks among the best base stealers in state history, will suit up for Kent State University next year. The Golden Flashes stole just three bases as a team in 2017 and still advanced to the NCAA regionals.
“We are on a quest to get faster and Kennadie is a big piece of that puzzle,” KSU coach Eric Oakley said when Goth signed in November. “She will help us to develop more offensive options and be a critical part of our scoring strategy.”
A career .500 hitter, Goth is expected to transition to the outfield in college. She was Shelby’s everyday shortstop, helping the Whippets reach the Division II district semifinals.
“She also adds range to our outfield defense and will combine with some of our current players to take gaps away from opposing hitters,” Oakley said. “Our pitchers will enjoy knowing Kennadie has their back.”
Catcher: Clear Fork’s Haylie Miller had a monster season at the plate. The sophomore and Ohio Cardinal Conference first team selection batted .438 and tied for the area lead with 10 home runs. She knocked in 32 runs for the regional-qualifying Colts.
First Base: Shelby’s Maddie Fidler matched Miller with 10 home runs during the regular season to go with an area-best 53 runs batted in. Fidler will play for Division II Black Hills (S.D.) University.
Second Base: Keirah Smetzer batted a team-high .473 with four home runs and 26 runs batted in for Hillsdale.
Third Base: A freshman, Madison’s Julia Litt batted a team-best .500 with 31 runs and 23 stolen bases. She was an Ohio Cardinal Conference second team pick.
Shortstop: Shelby’s Kennadie Goth batted .592 with 53 stolen bases and 46 runs scored. The Kent State-bound senior was an All-Ohio second team selection in Division II.
Utility: Lucas senior Alex Depue led the area with a .613 batting average. Depue, who will play for Division II Walsh University next year, scored 51 runs and swiped 37 bases. She was an All-Ohio honorable mention selection in Division IV and the runner-up in the Richland Source Player of the Year balloting.
Outfield: Galion’s Gabby Kaple batted .505 with four home runs and 18 RBIs. The sophomore was an All-Ohio honorable mention selection in Division III.
Outfield: Carson Crowner was a regular on Clear Fork’s infield, but her speed translates well to the outfield. The freshman stole 40 bases and scored 31 runs, earning a spot on the Ohio Cardinal Conference first team.
Outfield: Lucas sophomore Frankie Depue batted .494, helping the Cubs reach the Division IV Final Four.
Outfield: Madison senior Jackie Luedy batted .447 with 26 runs scored. She was an Ohio Cardinal Conference first team pick.
Designated Hitter: Lucas junior Liz Yirga belted 10 home runs while batting .417 with 33 RBIs.
