In a week where Tropical Storm Irma wreaked havoc on the East Hall community, sophomore pitcher Macy Banks was the calm in the storm for the Vikings softball team.
Banks helped East Hall run its winning streak to seven games and take a firm hold of first place in Region 7-AAA by winning three games (Oconee County, Greater Atlanta Christian and Dawson County) while amassing 14 strikeouts.
For her efforts, the sophomore pitcher is the AccessWDUN Athlete of the Week presented by Coca-Cola United for the week of Sept. 11.
“She did her thing,” said East Hall coach Josh Joiner, “that’s Macy. She does something every week that could earn her this (honor).
“There is a level of confidence the team has when Macy is in the circle,” Joiner continued. “She generates a lot of ground balls which keeps the team engaged and they make plays for her.”
Banks gives up hits, and runs for that matter, but her bend-don’t-break attitude combined with an insatiable will to win has earned her accolades from the start of her career with East Hall (she was named Region 7-AAA Pitcher of the Year in 2016).
“When I’m pitching, I go for strategy and look for the best way to get out of situations,” said Banks. “This season I’ve worked hard, especially for our seniors, I want to do well for them. Also coach (Megan) Fulcher calls the pitches, she makes me look good.
“I love this team on and off the field,” Banks continued, “I trust them when I’m in the circle.”
Her demeanor in the circle was put on full display in East Hall’s 9-3 win against GAC on Sept. 13. The Spartans softball program suffered the tragic loss of a teammate and emotions were high both on the field and in the stands, where hundreds of students showed up in support of the team. Joiner said the atmosphere was playoff-like and highly emotional, but that didn’t get to Banks one bit as she gave up hits (eight) and runs (three), but struck out five and stayed calm in the storm to earn the win.
“Macy is a little bit like me, which is a good thing because she takes the coaching onto the field,” said Joiner. “She’s very intense in the circle, loves to play and always wants to win no matter the opponent and no matter the situation.”
