The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – In a sport as tough as softball, not many players are blasting three home runs in a game.
But whatever you do, do not tell that to Alleghany sophomore Savannah Cash, because her ignore button is on high.
Cash, a versatile shortstop for the Lady Mountaineers has five home runs at the time of this writing, and all of them have come in the last week and a half. Nothing short of amazing, Cash hit her first varsity long ball on April 25 then followed that up with another two days later. Then, on May 4, Cash did the unthinkable and belted three home runs in one game and it is now safe to say that she is cash-ing in on her opportunity.
Originally, Cash came from Covington High School to Alleghany as a freshman, immediately flooding the sports world. She plays volleyball, softball and indoor track. Volleyball has been kind to Cash for seven years, and softball has done the same for the last 10. After playing basketball for many years, the indoor track experiment is just one year old, but the way Cash excels at what she does, it will be no different there.
Although winning games, titles and individual awards mean a lot to Cash, it does not mean as much as some of the more sentimental values she shares, and from that, the maturity level stands out with her.
“I learned that winning isn’t everything. Being on a team with older players has made me realize that being with my teammates is worth more than winning. I’ve found that getting to play this sport with the people I love is a privilege and I shouldn’t be taken advantage of that,” Cash said.
However, as mentioned above, winning is still a primary goal, and Cash thinks that if her teammates catch fire, noise can be made this season.
“I believe in my team to make a run into states. I’ve never thought this highly of a team. We have the most talent in the world, we just have to put it together. We work hard every week, and as a team we deserve to make a big run,” Cash said.
Suiting up for the Lady Mounties is something that the sophomore takes pride in every day. It is a family affair for her which means more to her than one would know, but Cash was all smiles when speaking of her connections to the program.
“Being a part of the Alleghany program has many meanings to me. Most of my family played for the team including my aunt, my mother, and most recently a senior last year, my cousin,” Cash explained.
“It’s my dream to live up in their name, and I’m extremely proud to share blood with all of them. Playing for this program is more than a sport. We’re all family and we all see the best in each other. I wouldn’t want to put up a fight with any other girls,” she said.
And speaking of her family, they are another reason that Cash is how she is, and that will always be important to her because her mother and father believe in her so much.
“I give all credit of my success to my family. No one believes in me like my mom and dad do. Since I was 5, I was coached by either my mom or dad up until last year where my mom coaches the AHS JV softball team. They have pushed me to be the best and taught me to never settle for mediocre. It’s amazing having a support system like them to continue my athletic career,” Cash stated.
She will continue her career at Alleghany, but under the new Couger mascot name. Even with those changes coming, the well-spoken Cash just sees it as another opportunity to do something special and be back with the girls she already knows.
“I’m extremely excited for the consolidation for many reasons. Finally getting to be back with the girls I started with is what I’m looking for the most. I think the consolidation is going to bring a lot of good into the sports programs in all categories. Although many cuts will be made, I feel that this is for the better of the town and the school,” Cash finished.
