Strikeouts and Second Chances: Mallory Lemonds signs with Mineral Area College

BENTON, Mo. — A back brace was a stark reminder of what Mallory Lemonds had lost. Months earlier, she dominated on the mound. Then, a devastating injury threatened to derail her dreams.

But beneath that physical constraint, beneath the months of rehab and uncertainty, her determination only hardened. That resolve was rewarded as the Kelly High School senior inked her future with Mineral Area College, securing her place back on the diamond.

"MAC has a lot going for it," Lemonds said. "I'm excited to compete, be part of a rising program, and succeed both on and off the field. The school, the support, and the location are a perfect fit for me."

Kelly's Mallory Lemonds (12) throws�during an 11-1 Senior Night win over Cape Central at KHS on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Hard-earned talent fueled her dreams. As a junior, Lemonds was an undeniable presence, logging 135 innings with a 13-7 overall record — a key factor in the Lady Hawks’ district championship. Her 86 strikeouts and a commanding 2.54 ERA made her a pitcher batters feared to face.

But fate dealt a cruel blow during basketball season. A herniated disc in her back, a sudden and vicious injury, threatened to shatter the momentum she'd so meticulously built. Yet, the mound, though temporarily out of reach, remained a beacon in her mind's eye.

“We saw several doctors and got multiple opinions,” Lemonds said. “Unfortunately, that took time as being a [teenager], I couldn’t see a regular doctor and had to go to St. Louis to see a pediatric doctor. I went from pitching year-round to not picking up a ball. It was hard not only physically but also mentally, feeling like I was falling behind the competition. Also the challenge of being tough enough to try and get back.”

Kelly's Mallory Lemonds (12) is recognized on Senior Night on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Lemonds dedicated the spring and summer of 2023 to a rigorous rehabilitation program. Following her injury, she faced months of physical therapy, targeted strength training and just weeks before the fall season, she was medically cleared to resume softball activities.

“I hadn’t pitched a softball since December and now it’s July,” she said. “Imagine the pressure and the sense of urgency of trying to get to where I was. I worked hard but couldn’t overdo it as I still needed the assurance I was getting better.”

The comeback season, while impressive, was not without its challenges. Lemonds returning to the mound was a victory in itself, but the path wasn't seamless. After months of intensive rehabilitation and limited activity, she logged 84.2 innings pitched during her senior season, racking up 52 strikeouts. While her ERA rose to 4.46, these statistics reflect the expected challenges of regaining peak form after a major injury.

The season's finale wasn't the ending Lemonds had envisioned and the heartbreaking loss in the district semifinals left a void.

“Through it all, she still showed amazing strength, leadership, positivity, and resilience on the mound,” said Kelly coach Melanie Heuring.

These qualities were evident from her earliest days on the team.

“One key game I remember was when she came in as a relief and shut down a good Twin Rivers team as a freshman that enabled us to win a district championship,” Heuring said. “That's when I knew she would have a great career because to pitch like that her freshman year showed a lot of grit and determination and promise for the future of our program.”

Despite the bitter end to her senior year, disappointment couldn't erase a legacy of success.

Lemonds’ impact is etched in Kelly's record books, starting with her leadership in three consecutive district championships (2020, 2021, 2022) — She didn't allow a single run across any of those district games.

“Her defining moments are when she was on the mound in the postseason,” Heuring said. “She is a gamer and knew what it would take to win a district championship. She was always so composed on the mound and she trusted and knew she had a great defense behind her to help her out. She has a positive attitude, great work ethic and is an all-around coachable player.”

This impressive streak secured berths in the state tournament throughout her freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons.

A four-time Academic All-State honoree, her dedication shone in the classroom as well. This work ethic translated into athletic recognition, earning her All-SEMO Conference, all-district, and all-region honors throughout her career. She cemented her legacy at Kelly by setting program records for most games started and most games pitched.

“Her biggest strengths are that she is always positive and upbeat and very encouraging for the younger players,” Heuring said. “She is a good role model and mentor for the younger players coming into our program. She’s a great leader who always talked on the field and made sure everyone stayed up in the dugout. She worked well with all of our catchers and had such good insight into what pitches to throw to certain batters. She was good at reading the batter and could hit spots to make them chase. I knew she was destined to play in college because she had the drive, determination, and work ethic to do so.”

Yet, no athletic journey occurs in a vacuum. Behind every strikeout, every clutch hit stands a network of support. For Lemonds, softball isn't just a sport – it's a family affair, a bond forged on the field with her father.

"We have been a tandem for eight-plus years," she said. "My dad and I learned the game together. We watched YouTube videos, we watched other players."

Despite their hard work and natural talent, Lemonds recognizes the potential for growth with formal coaching.

"I’m not 6-foot tall,” she said. “I do not have long arms, so the athletic gods were not stacked in my favor. So I am excited to have a pitching coach who can take my stature and get the most out of it."

Lemonds’ ambition extends beyond the field. She's drawn to nursing, inspired by a desire to help others. This nurturing instinct finds its roots in her admiration for her mother

"My mom will always be my biggest role model and source of inspiration,” she said. “I strive to be half of the woman she is one day."

MAC is a rising NJCAA Division I program located in Park Hills, Missouri. The Cardinals’ commitment to the sport is evident, with a new softball field in the works.

Under the leadership of CJ Wright, a new era is unfolding, and Lemonds is eager to be a part of this exciting future.

“We had other visits and while I thought I knew what I wanted,” Lemonds said. “But [Wright] made me feel the most at home. That welcoming environment is important. After all, some days you have your best stuff, and some days not so much. The ability to compete, to keep striving even when it's tough - that's what drives you to be a better person."

Lemonds won't be alone as she embarks on this next chapter. Several other local athletes have chosen to continue their softball journeys at Mineral Area College, including a familiar face - her former Kelly teammate, Madison Yount.

A freshman infielder, Yount has already earned significant playing time, securing two hits, two steals, and two runs for the Cardinals. This sense of familiarity and having a close friend close by will undoubtedly provide a strong support system for Lemonds as she transitions to college athletics.

“I am super excited because we’ve played together since we were like eight years old,” Young said. “[Lemonds] is a dominant pitcher that will help our team a lot next year and that’s very exciting to see. It’s cool to grow up playing the same sport with one of your best friends and then get to continue it all the way to college, most people don’t have this luck.”