Tag Archive for: AAC championship

RUDGE WILL NEVER BUDGE

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BOARDMAN OH- Boardman High School’s freshman catcher Addie Rudge is making waves in her debut varsity softball season, breaking records and leading her team to heights not seen in years. In a recent episode of YSN Live, Rudge’s impact has been felt both behind the plate and at bat—most notably when she broke the school’s RBI record as a freshman, surpassing the previous mark of 38 and finishing the season with 45.

Rudge’s journey to high school stardom began in Little League, where her name drew notice in tournaments like Feel the Dreams. She credits dedicated off-season work and strong team chemistry for helping her transition smoothly to the high school level. “It’s been taking forever, and now that I’m finally here, it’s like, whoa, you’re actually a freshman now,” Rudge said of her transition. This season, Boardman’s softball program clinched its first AAC (All-American Conference) league title since 2011 and advanced to the state semifinals, accomplishments Rudge called “great for our team.” A significant portion of Boardman’s playoff run has featured stellar pitching from Tori Strines—something Rudge, as the team’s catcher, appreciates deeply. “She’s got great speed and she spins the ball, she locates pitches very well, and she mixes up her pitches, so I get a taste of different pitches, and I just love catching for Tori,” she said.

Rudge also balances her athletic commitments by contributing as a Little League umpire during the summer, giving back to the sport and seeing it from a new perspective. “It makes me really happy to be able to give back to the community, not only by playing, but to be able to umpire,” she shared. Despite her youth, Rudge shows remarkable maturity, valuing education as highly as athletics and planning for continued success on the field. “As much as I love softball, education is my number one focus,” she stated, adding that her main goals next year include breaking the school’s hits record and defending Boardman’s conference title. Proud to follow in her father’s footsteps as a Spartan, Addie Rudge is quickly establishing herself as a leader and role model for future generations of Boardman athletes. With three more years ahead of her, the future looks bright for the Boardman backstop.

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LIVE FROM THE BOOTHE

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WARREN OH- In the latest Howland Girls Soccer player profile, YSN had the pleasure of diving into the life and career of Howland High School’s standout junior soccer player, Ava Boothe. Boothe, who has been a cornerstone of the Howland girls soccer team, is known not just for her skills on the field but also for her leadership and dedication. Transitioning from an underclassman to an upperclassman is challenging for any high school athlete, and Boothe admits it has its intimidating moments. “It’s kind of scary,” she confesses, sharing that the responsibility of leadership weighs heavily on her shoulders. However, she also finds inspiration from the senior players and supportive juniors who have mentored her.

This season has seen Boothe and her team achieve significant milestones. Notably, Howland secured the All-American Conference (AAC) outright, besting opponents like Canfield. “It really feels good,” Boothe comments, attributing their success to rigorous off-season preparation, including lifting and running. Boothe’s passion for soccer began at the tender age of three and solidified by third grade. It’s a love that has only grown, driven by aspirations to play at the collegiate level. She lists Kent State and Ohio State as her dream schools, emphasizing her excitement about potentially joining such prestigious programs.

On the field, Boothe’s increased confidence is evident. She credits this boost to the unwavering support from her family and friends. This season, she has scored 18 goals and assisted in six more, a marked improvement over her previous year’s performance. Off the field, Boothe’s life is just as dynamic. She is balancing club soccer, school commitments, and even a part-time job—though she wisely took time off work to focus on the season. Despite a packed schedule, she aims to improve her time management skills, a goal she believes will come with time and experience.

In the classroom, Boothe excels in subjects like art and forensics, showing a keen interest in visual creativity. She has career aspirations in business and real estate, with interior design or architecture as potential alternatives. Support from family plays a crucial role in her journey. Boothe’s family attends all her games, even traveling long distances to cheer her on. “They always check up on me,” she says, highlighting the close-knit bond they share. Boothe’s gratitude extends beyond her family to her teammates and coaches, who have guided her along the way. As she gears up for the post-season, Boothe remains a beacon of promise for Howland soccer, embodying the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and resilience.

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