Jessica Kolomichuk/The Omniscient
Senior Carson Shaner broke the Northwood softball homerun record May 2 against Chapel Hill High School, hitting her 15th career home run. The previous record was held by McKenzie Allgood (Class of 2016), who had 14 home runs throughout her high school career.
A week before the breaking the record, Shaner was told that she received WRAL’s Extra Effort Award while helping with the Special Olympics April 27. The Extra Effort Award is given to athletes who excel not only in their sport but also in the community and in the classroom.
“I felt very honored and blessed to receive [the extra effort award], because I was surrounded by not only my teammates but also the special needs kids that I have been working with this year,” Shaner said. “It was really an honor to receive it, and I was very happy.”
Coach Cameron Vernon has been Shaner’s basketball coach for the past three years. He nominated Shaner and previous award recipient Kristian Eanes. Along with being a good athlete, Vernon chose Shaner because she excels in the community and in the classroom.
“Her grades and her GPA are really good,” Vernon said. “She is always a good student in the classroom. I think the most important part is what she does in the community, especially with the Special Olympics, and when we do basketball camp, she is always great with the kids. She is a kid that is always in a good mood, and she is always pleasant, so it is always nice to be around her. She picks everyone else up when they are having a bad day.”
This season, Shaner has hit eight home runs. Shaner says she has changed her mentality this season, which she believes contributed to her success.
“My approach was different this year, so I have been working on not only the physical side of softball, but also the mental side,” Shaner said. “I have been more relaxed. My approach at the plate is just seeing the ball and hitting it and not thinking about my mechanics, just having fun. It is helping a lot.”
Shaner’s teammate, senior Hannah Fowler, is proud and excited that Shaner broke the homerun record.
“It was very exciting, because I have been playing softball with Carson since we were seven, and so to see her just grow as a player and beat the homerun record for the school was just exciting to share with her,” Fowler said.
– By Sarah Helen Shepherd
