By Joshua Huff, sports editor
MOODY — The 2018 Class 5A hitter of the year, Moody High School’s Lindsey Richardson, will join forces with Jacksonville State softball head coach Jana McGinnis next year as the Gamecocks look to return to the OVC championship for the second consecutive season.
Richardson, a holder of a slew of awards, has been a workhorse for the Blue Devils’ softball team for several years now. Currently, Richardson holds the top slot in eight Moody all-time categories, including:
RBI – 236
Doubles – 54
Homeruns – 44
Total Bases – 448
On-base Percentage – .535
OPS – 1.339
Walks – 88
Slugging Percentage – .804
In addition, the three-time First Team All-State member sits in the top five in five more categories: Games Played – 204 (Fifth); Runs Scored – 169 (Second); At Bats – 557 (Third); Hits – 254 (Second); Career Batting Average – .456 (Second).
“I have been so blessed to be able to grow with Lindsey as a coach and player since a very young age,” Moody softball head coach Becky Seymour said. “I have watched her achieve many goals and ambitions, all while overcoming several obstacles. She is one of the most determined and driven players I have ever coached. I am so proud that as a former Gamecock that I can welcome her to a family and program that is unlike any other. I have always considered Lindsey family and now I can officially say she is! I am so proud of her and cannot wait to watch her as a Gamecock.”
Jacksonville State concluded the 2019 season 36-15 and was swept by No. 1 Southeast Missouri, 2-8; 5-6, in the championship series.
In her career at Moody, Richardson is a four-time All-County member, a 2019 North-South All-State Selection and is ranked No. 129 on the Extra Inning Elite softball poll, which is a nationally ranked softball poll of elite 2020 players.
“When you show up to a national event, you walk in the park knowing you have one of the best hitters in America,” Birmingham Vipers head coach Jessup Standifer said.