MORGAN COUNTY
Morgan County softball seniors Emmy Moss, Ryan Henderson, and Anna Kate Hill signed letters of intent during a Nov. 14 ceremony to continue their careers on the diamond and play at the college level.
Moss, Henderson, and Hill helped the Lady Bulldogs go 23-10-1, win the Region 4-AAA championship over Harlem, and advance to Columbus for the first time in six years as seniors in 2023.
First-year head coach Chad Pigg was extremely proud of his three players, who helped him lay the groundwork for the future of the Morgan County program as he transitions into next year.
“These girls take pride in being students first and they worked very, very hard both on the field and in the classroom,” Pigg said at the signing event. “Another thing they took pride in was becoming better people when they were in our program. Again, these three students are no exceptions to that. They are true examples of what we want our (future) girls to grow into while they’re with us.”
Henderson, a first baseman for Morgan County, signed with Berry College in Rome. During her career, Henderson tallied 111 hits with 17 home runs while batting .418. She earned All-Region 4-AAA First-Team honors for her performance as a senior for the Lady Dogs in 2023.
In her senior year alone, the Berry College signee hit an average of .375 with five home runs before suffering a season-ending injury. Henderson still cheered on her teammates throughout the rest of the year, though.
“Ryan played outstanding at first base for us,” Pigg added. “Our infielders were very confident in her. They took more risks because they knew she was going to make a play. She was one of our leaders.”
Next, Hill inked her letter of intent to continue her softball career at Young Harris College in Young Harris. Like Henderson, Hill was named to the All-Region 4-AAA First Team as a senior.
Hill, an outfielder for Morgan County, also was named the 2023 Region 4-AAA Player of the Year.
“Anna Kate is a resilient young lady, especially because she’s faced ACL tears in both of her legs,” Pigg said. “She’s also had a broken hand, a broken thumb and I’m sure there are a couple more I am missing. She didn’t allow that to stop her from posting some impressive numbers this year.”
As a Lady Dog, Hill hit .401 with 146 career hits, two home runs, and 67 stolen bases. She also was a vocal leader on and off the field for the team the past four seasons, even when she was injured.
Finally, Moss inked her letter of intent to play at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville. She also was an All-Region 4-AAA First Team recipient as a senior. Moss hit a career .288 at the plate with 68 stolen bases. Remarkably, Moss struck out only 16 times throughout her high school career.
“Emmy had an excellent senior season, going 23 for 23 in stolen bases. She’s a speedster,” Pigg said. “She also did a great job of being our leadoff batter this year and was a hard out for her opponents. Defensively, she was a great shortstop for us and is a great player both on and off the field.”
Morgan County returns most of its roster next season, with only four seniors graduating in May.