Savannah Moody has been a strong inspiration for those around her at Locust Grove. 

Moody has used a family tragedy for motivation on and off the softball field. She was at school as an eighth grader when she found out that her mother had passed away from a heart attack.

“At first it was really difficult for me because 14 is such an impressionable age and when a teenage girl needs her mom. I have used it for motivation ever since,” Moody said. “I have constantly strived to be as successful and hardworking like my mom was in everything I do, especially softball.”

Moody, who also plays slowpitch softball and shoots trap for Locust Grove’s Outdoor Education, has thrived early in her senior year for the Pirates. Through the first eight games the outfielder has nine hits in 20 at bats with four doubles, a triple and a home run. She has driven in 10 runs.

Her motivation is also used in the classroom where she has carried a 4.0 grade point average. She placed fourth overall at trap regionals last year with a 21/25 in the high school girls division.

“Everything she has been through and overcome is inspiring to say the least ,” Locust Grove softball head coach Matt Tramel said.

Moody’s father has been her rock ever since the tragedy.

“My Dad has been a huge inspiration for me. He helped me get through my mom’s passing and continue to keep my head up through anything,” she said. “He has pushed me to do everything 110 percent and always stay positive no matter what the situation is. I love my Dad so much and I don’t know what I would do without him by my side.”

Aside from her productivity for the Pirates’ softball teams, she has also established herself as a team leader.

“I always try my hardest to be the best leader I can be for my team. I’m always cheering everyone on and picking anyone up if needed so we can constantly keep our momentum going to help us win games,” Moody said. “Even if we are down in a game I do my best to get the energy up and keep everyone’s heads held high so we don’t quit. I try my best to be a good role model for all of my teammates by the decisions and actions I make on and off the field. I love my team and my coaches and I want to keep being a good leader and teammate no matter what.”

Independence Community College has shown interest in Moody. For now, she is continuing to work on getting better. She earned the team’s Leader Award and Defensive Most Valuable Player over the past two seasons from Tramel.

“I want to keep consistently hitting the ball and constantly better myself in the batter’s box. I want to continue to improve in the outfield and keep making good throws and getting to every ball that can,” she said. “I also would like to continue being a good role model for our lower classmen and be the best leader I can be for all of my teammates.”