By Mike Hutchens, Union City Schools Communications Director
Sophie Theobald shined in a variety of roles for Union City High School softball this past season.
Her impressive numbers at every position made her a logical choice for a spot on the Class 1A All-State team.
Theobald, a junior pitcher/infielder who helped the Lady Tornadoes to just their second-ever state tournament berth, was named to the 11-member 2021 Tennessee Sports Writers Association Single-A squad today.
UC finished the season 21-11, winning both the District 14 and Region 7 Tournament championships and in the sectional round to advance to the Spring Fling in Murfreesboro.
Theobald was a major player in the Lady Tornadoes’ state tourney run as she led the Purple and Gold in 10 offensive categories. She also tied for a team-high in pitching victories and had the club’s second-best fielding percentage.
“Sophie did a lot of things for us this spring and she obviously did all of them very well,” Union City head coach J.B. Suiter said. “We felt we could put her about anywhere, and she’d be a difference-maker.
“She was sure-handed and accurate with her throws defensively, she had good pop and hit for a high average in the middle of the lineup, and she was dominant pitching-wise in some very big games.”
Theobald had the most hits (42) of any UC player in 2021 and also finished with the Twisters’ best batting average (.477), top slugging percentage (.553) and best OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage), 1.360. She scored a team-high 40 runs and struck out but five times all season.
Theobald’s 1.41 earned run average in the pitching circle was the Lady Tornadoes’ best, as were her 119 strikeouts. She gave up only 17 earned runs all season and tied teammate Anna Lynn Cheatham with nine wins.
Defensively, Theobald committed just four errors in 74 chances and posted a .946 fielding percentage.
“While it’s much-deserved recognition for her, the way Sophie carries herself away from the field is just as impressive as the All-State honor itself,” Suiter added. “She’s truly a role model for our younger players.”
“I couldn’t be happier for her to receive this recognition.”
TSWA ALL-STATE
SOFTBALL
CLASS A
C: Brinli Bain, Eagleville, 8th grade
IF: Hailey Jones, Summertown, Sr.
IF: Shelby Sullivan, Sale Creek, Sr.
IF: Kaley Campbell, Summertown, Sr.
IF: Briley Dover, Loretto, So.
OF: Zoey Neal, Gibson County, Sr.
OF: Sophie Theobald, Union City, Jr.
OF: Ashtyn Danley, Huntland, So.
UT: Hannah Skiles, Sale Creek, Sr.
P: Claire Woods, Summertown, Sr.
P: Addisyn Linton, Eagleville, 8th grade
P: Campbell Gaby, North Greene, So.