COVINGTON, Ga. -- The 2017 softball season was one that featured new faces in key positions on the field, new coaches and exceeded expectations. A first year coach led her team back to the state tournament for the first time in several years. Another first-year coach laid the foundation for future program success, while an experienced coach took a team rife with inexperienced talent to Columbus. 

One coach found her team to be a family in some trying times, and many freshman and sophomores discovered that they, indeed, have what it takes to compete well at the varsity level. 

It was a full and exciting softball season in Newton County, which paved the way for beliefs that 2018 will be exhibit even greater things. The sports staff at The Covington News had the arduous task and simultaneous pleasure of choosing the 2017 All-Newton County Softball Team. 

Check out our complete first and second team rosters here, in full. 

The 2017 All-Newton County Softball Team

Coach of the Year: Coach Erin Steele, Newton

Pitcher of the Year: Kailey Rusk, Eastside 

Player of the Year: McKenzie Walker, Eastside

Freshman of the Year: Ty’Liyah Hardeman, Newton

First Team:

Shelby Harpe, Social Circle. 

Alysee Dobbs, Eastside

Maddie Poole, Social Circle

Gabby Lester, Newton 

Kendel McAuliffe, Eastside

Dani Fairey, Eastside 

Ty’Liyah Hardeman, Newton

Mariah Williams, Newton

Jessica Owens, Social Circle

Peyton Sorrow, Social Circle 

Second Team:

Jordan Rittenbacher, Eastside. 

Britney Ellis, Newton 

Mackenzie Rodgers, Alcovy 

Gwyneth Lee, Alcovy

Emily Swider, Social Circle

Jessica Owens

Kelsey Ellis, Eastside 

Aurora Edwards, Newton 

Amiyah Williams, Social Circle

Honorable Mention

Talacia Thompson, Alcovy; Erin Meadows, Social Circle; Grace Dial, Newton; Emma Waddell, Alcovy; Corley Thacker, Alcovy;