PHOTOS: Lady Raider softball senior night

ROCKINGHAM — The first senior night of the spring sports season took place at Richmond Senior High School’s softball field Saturday.

A day later than originally scheduled, and ahead of the Lady Raiders’ home non-conference game against Jack Britt High School, the program took time to celebrate its six senior players.

This year’s senior class featured Kady Harris, Addyson Hollingsworth, Caroline Hunsucker, Christi Jacobs, Ryelan Lyerly and Katie Way.

Prior to first pitch, each player made a trip around the bases with family members while public address announcer James “Biggie” Lyerly read out their player bio, favorite memories and future plans.

Behind the home dugout, tables displayed balloons, photos, home run balls, jersey blankets and other memorabilia from the players’ high school, middle school and rec sports career.

After all six Lady Raiders were recognized, the players and their families circled home plate. James Lyerly offered a prayer for assistant coach Mica Way, who recently received a medical diagnosis.

Hunsucker closed out the senior night fireworks with a live singing of the National Anthem.

Head coach Mike Way, father of Katie and who has coached many of the seniors since youth and middle school sports, shared his thoughts on the special group.

“I don’t really know how to explain it other than it’s just one of the joys of my life,” he said. “Just the chance (to coach them). You want to say it’s based on being around and coaching your kid, and that’s part of it, I’m not going to deny it.

“But when you catch them as sixth graders and watch them grow up, you watch them become young ladies instead of kids,” he continued. “Time goes too fast, it needs to slow down. You watch how they react to situations and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”

The Richmond Observer will post a full game story of Richmond’s game against Jack Britt soon.

Below are photos of Saturday’s softball senior night, taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar.