Kofa's Rhodes to success

Alyssa Rhodes has been Miss Everything for Kofa softball over the past four years. And of course, Kings coach Emma Morrison is not looking forward to replacing her four-year varsity standout pitcher and leadoff batter.

"She's the all-around package," Morrison said. "She could pitch, she could run, she could hit and she was a good fielder. Most are only good in a couple of areas but she could do everything.

"We were lucky to have her for four years. We were very lucky. She was the ace on the mound for us."

Rhodes strung together back-to-back 20-win seasons in the circle in leading a potent Kings' lineup to Gila Valley Region titles and postseason appearances over the span. And for the third straight season she walks away with the distinction of The Sun/Yuma Rotary Club 2007 All-Region Softball Player of the Year.

"I was working really hard this year," said Rhodes, who was 20-9 in the circle with a 1.40 ERA for the Kings (20-11, 11-1 Gila Valley Region). She was 21-6 a year ago for Kofa. "I have to work really hard on everything. I try not to just focus only on pitching. I take my time working on batting, base running; just the other parts of softball that you need to work on."

The Kings went 1-2 in the 5A Division II state softball playoffs. A repeat of last season's run to the semifinals ended with Rhodes unable to pitch.

"It was the start of a stress fracture in my arm," Rhodes said. "I have to take eight weeks off. Now, I am just working on conditioning. I have to take a break."

Rhodes played through pain for most of the second half of the season but never complained openly about it or let it show while in the circle.

"Toward the start of the second half of the season is when it really started hurting," Rhodes said. "It was hard those last few games not being able to go out and do what I am usually able to do - emotionally it was tough. I try not to show my emotions out there."

Rhodes finished 23-1 in region play over the past two seasons, the only blemish a 2-1 loss to Casa Grande this season.

Statistically Rhodes had her best season as a junior, but not by much. This year she batted .478 with an on-base percentage of .775 that included two home runs, seven doubles and four triples and 15 RBIs. She also stole seven bases. She was nearly perfect in the field, finishing with a .995 fielding percentage.

"We put her at the No. 1 spot because she could get on," Morrison said. "She did an excellent job of doing that. Her speed was great on the bases. She could always stretch a single into a double and double into a triple."

After graduation Rhodes will make the move to Prescott and settle in with her new teammates at Yavapai College, which is fielding a softball squad for the first time. She would like to become an elementary school teacher and continue playing softball at a four-year university.

"I am really excited about playing at Yavapai - looking forward to it," Rhodes said. "I am going to remember last year and this year and how well we got a long as a team - we were a great team - all together."

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Brian Williams can be reached at bwilliams@yumasun.com or 539-6883.