A Dream Come True: Three Rivers pitcher has All-American season

An All-American season leads to more opportunities for freshman softball pitcher at Three Rivers College.

Since the age of 10, AJ Agers had dreams of being named an All-American athlete one day and finally got her wish as a member of the Lady Raider’s softball team.

“Receiving all these accolades from this season meant everything to me,” Agers said. “ I wasn't expecting it at all because I have wanted this since I was young. It really feels great, and I couldn’t be happier.

From the mound, Agers finished with a 26-4 winning record with an ERA of 2.10 and was only one win shy of being named the most successful pitcher in Lady Raider’s history. She closed with a .399 batting average at the plate, connected with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs.

In addition to being named an NJCAA 2nd Team All-American, Agers received MCCAC All-Conference and All-Region for pitching and utility.

“I felt like I had a really good season overall,” she said. “It was just a lot of fun getting back on the field and playing the game I love. I’ve played other sports at the college level, so my only adjustment was playing with a good mentality and keeping a good attitude.”

Agers said it was a unique situation coming in as a freshman with expectations of being a leader. Still, she kept an open mind and believed she handled the responsibility very well. Stepping onto a new campus can be challenging at times, but Agers said everything was great, and she made many friends on and off the field.

Agers helped the Lady Raiders to a 44-12 regular season record with a 20-4 record in conference play. Despite not making a deep run in the playoffs, everything clicked well for the Lady Raiders, and Agers was happy to be a part of it.

“I think we had a great season,” Agers said. “Our bats were hot, and the defense was great. We were a really solid team. No matter how you look at it, it was an overall amazing season and team.”

Head softball coach Jeff Null said having Agers on the squad was everything and more. Whatever he or the team needed from her, she was there to make an impact.

“Once she got here, we knew we had a pretty solid pitcher and player,” Null said. “I didn't know she could hit so well. Hadn't I known earlier, she would've hit a lot more at the beginning of the season. AJ brought it every time she stepped on the field and played with a lot of confidence and maturity.”

AJ Agers had an impactful freshman season for the Three Rivers Lady Raiders softball team. In addition to being named an NJCAA 2nd Team All-American, Agers received MCCAC All-Conference and All-Region for pitching and utility.DAR/D�Courtland Christian

Null said one of the biggest skills Agers has is her confidence. It helped him rely on her to take on a leadership role for the team because he knew she could handle it. Seeing Agers play with confidence helped everything fall into place for the Lady Raiders, and it was how they were able to win as they did.

Playing under Coach Null has taught Agers a few key aspects of the game she can take with her throughout her career.

“It was great being able to play for Coach Null,” she said. “He’s a great coach. He pushed us forward when we were down. He taught us how to have a tough mentality, and I'm so glad I got to play for him.”

Agers is excited about the upcoming opportunities as she will attend Drury University to play for the Lady Panthers softball team. This next step will allow more room for her to grow and get an education simultaneously, but as long as she’s playing the sport she loves, Agers said she is ready to get started.

“Obviously, we hate to lose her after one year, but she’s going to a great school,” Null said. “Ultimately, our goal is to get these kids somewhere that can pay for their education and play the game they love. I'm pumped because she's going to do well at Drury. She's a good kid and takes care of her business, so I know she'll do great.”