Abby Nelson, Jada Patton, and Abby Maynard
This will be the first time in school history for anyone to play in the state tournaments for both basketball and softball.
Lawrence Co. Senior Abby Nelson
“… Man, I really can’t describe the feeling. I have thought about it since we won Thursday night and realized that me, Abby and Jada made school history, and to me that is monumental…. honestly. Something that I could have never imagined. If you would have told little ole me at five years old going to Stella Moore and hoops league that I would’ve been one of three girls to be the first in school history to play in both state tournaments I would’ve never believed you.”
“… It really hasn’t sunk in yet and it probably won’t until we get down to Lexington later this week. Just like in basketball it didn’t really hit me until we were there inside Rupp Arena. I’m really excited to get down there and experience and take it all in.”
“… During the game at Rupp I really didn’t take it all in. Growing up my dream and my dad’s dream was to play at Rupp Arena and when you go as a kid you hear Go Big Blue and Go Cats and man I can’t wait to be on that court one day. So right after the game I found my dad standing up and we both started crying and yelled down to me and said just take it all in. And I just looked around and seen all of the communities support and it was just amazing.”
“… Me being a three sport athlete and played sports all of my life, Kentucky means a lot to me and I bleed blue and me and my mom going to games there and meeting Abby Cheek and going to games there and dreaming of one day playing on that field and be in that dugout and now getting the chance is really something special and I can’t describe it.”
“… I’m just thankful and blessed that God gave me a chance to live out my dreams. I just so grateful that these girls get to share it with me just like in basketball. Having your best friends with you along the way is a great feeling and hard to describe.”
Lawrence Co. Junior Abby Maynard
“… I didn’t know until someone told me. I was amazed by it feels like it’s a big accomplishment just to be a part of it. I’m very anxious to get down there and get this thing going. I’m ready to play today.”
“… When we played in the state tournament at Rupp Arena I had never played in front of that many people in my life. And I was just looking around at all of the red and black and trying to soak in it.”
“… It’s really special to know that I done it with them. It’s a great feeling to share something like this with these girls. I’m excited and proud to play in that stadium in front of all those people. Glad my family gets to experience this with me.”
Lawrence Co. 8th Grader Jada Patton
“… It honestly feels surreal, I didn’t realize it until my brother told me Friday morning that I get to play at Rupp Arena and on the softball field at Kentucky. And I was like, oh yea I do.”
“… I remember walking on the court for the first time and just looking around and seeing how many of our fans showed up in Rupp Arena. And it was just so crazy see all of the people. And we were going against such a talented team. It was an amazing experience with Kensley and both Abby’s just amazing.”
“… I’m very proud to see how far we have come and have looked up to so many girls in both sports for so many years and I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.”
“… I can’t wait to play it is a beautiful stadium and I know there will be so many people inside it. I’m ready to play right now.”
Lawrence Co. Superintendent Dr. Robbie Fletcher
“… For many student-athletes, it is a special opportunity to play in a state tournament. To have the opportunity to compete at that level in two sports is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Also, these ladies can provide advice to their teammates on what to expect when you walk on to the “big stage.” Congratulations to Abby (Nelson), Abby (Maynard), Jada, and to all our softball players.”
