CANNONSBURG — Alice Lloyd College’s softball team just received an infusion of speed.
Boyd County outfielder’s Danielle Rakes signed this spring with the Kentucky NAIA school.
Rakes batted better than .400 as a senior and kept pressure on opponents after she reached base.
“Danielle is the fastest girl I’ve coached at any level,’’ said Boyd County coach Geoff Stewart. “She went 110 percent all the time and made quite a few great plays in the outfield due to her speed.’’
As a base-stealer, Rakes has been pretty much automatic. She swiped 26 in 26 attempts this season after topping the 30 mark as a junior without being caught.
“I like to run,’’ Rakes said. “It’s one of the easiest things you can do. Either you’ve got it, or you don’t.’’
Stewart estimated that more than half the speedster’s hits this season came on bunt singles. Rakes also displayed a strong arm from the outfield that allowed her to throw out seven baserunners this season.
Her performance helped lead Boyd County to a 20-win season and district runner-up finish.
Stewart said that Rakes, who has played varsity softball since eighth grade, will be missed for more than her athletic ability and contributions on the field.
“She hates to lose and has a great attitude for the game,’’ Stewart said. “Danielle is always cheering in the dugout regardless of the situation. That’s the kind of person she is.’’
Rakes made a visit to Alice Lloyd during the winter after coach David Hatfield expressed interest to Boyd County’s coaching staff.
“I went down to see if it was something I would like to do,’’ Rakes said. “I liked the campus and the whole setup there. It’s an amazing feeling. Unlike a lot of girls at Boyd County, I will be one of the only ones that pursued softball later on.’’
Rakes is full of anticipation, along with some butterflies.
“I’m kind of nervous,’’ she said. “It’s a big step.’’
ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.
Local Sports
Alice Lloyd next for fleet-footed Rakes
- Local Sports
-
-
AARON SNYDER: ‘Untouchables’ can be touched
On Tuesday night, I was just another awestruck observer of the show, just another dumbstruck face in the crowd.
-
Ashland’s Whetsel signs to play at KCU
Turns out, Kentucky Christian University has what Ryan Whetsel wanted all along.
Namely, a football program not far away that provides an opportunity to earn playing time right away. And just as importantly, a nursing program to help him reach career goals. -
Terry hits 2,000 points
Fairview’s Mike Terry heard the cheers of the crowd. His head was still on the game.
-
Kittens look Diddle worthy
Rowan County coach Scott Tackett believes he knows Ashland’s destination in March.
-
Withrow, Whetsel, Gregg combine for 66 points, 21 boards in win over Rowan
Ashland’s seniors weren’t about to let Rowan County spoil the party again.
The Tomcats turned in a dominating performance on Senior Night and defeated the Vikings, 73-58, at Anderson gym. -
Inside route keys Comets
West Carter isn’t accustomed to being down 13 points this season.
-
Fairview’s Day scores 49 in win
Basketball is a game of runs, and players get on rolls, but rarely does a scorer’s streak endure for 32 minutes.
-
Gambill, bench key for Kittens
West Carter coach Tex English cringed as Ashland’s Kaylyn Gambill saw a third straight 3-pointer find nothing but net.
-
MARK MAYNARD: From the mind of Maynard
Some random notes from the desktop:
-
SLIDESHOW: Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI
The New York Giants won their fourth Super Bowl and eighth NFL championship Sunday in Indianapolis, scoring in the final minute to defeat New England 21-17.
- More Local Sports Headlines
-
AARON SNYDER: ‘Untouchables’ can be touched








