Sydney Wesley was awarded the Desert Sky Player of the Year last season. But the Higley star said it is not about her but her team.

“It was a big moment for me,” said Wesley, who hit .561 with a .608 on base percentage and a total of 44 RBIs. “I was excited to be recognized not only by my coaches but all of the coaches.”

But… “I really want us to make playoffs as a team,” said Wesley.

Senior teammate Maddy Woosley added: “We play for the name on the front of our jersey and not the back.”

Both Woosley and Wesley made the All-Academic team last season.

“I am very confident in this season because we have a lot of talent on this team and we’re ready to showcase it,” Wesley said.

The Knights (0-2) are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in over 10 years. She would not only be able to celebrate with her fellow teammates but her coach – and father – Rodney Wesley.

“I don’t like him yelling at me,” Sydney said jokingly about playing for her father. “But I love that he is our coach.”

Rodney added: "It’s a blessing that I get to be out there for her senior year. I was there for her brother last year and now I am here for her this year.”

The ability to play collegiate sports runs in the family.

“Three of my kids are going to school and playing at the collegiate level,” Rodney said. “She is the final one.”

Wesley will attend Mississippi Valley State University in the fall.

“It was indescribable,” Wesley said about signing the letter of commitment to be a Devilette. “I am so happy that they are giving me an opportunity to play at the next level.”

The Devilettes are a Division I program that plays in the Southwestern Atlantic Conference or SWAC.

“I really like the campus” said Wesley. “And it came down to the competition they would be facing because I wanted to play at the highest level.”

Rodney added: “It is exciting. She is fulfilling her dream to play Division I softball.”

She will also be fulfilling another dream when studying forensic science.

“I want to do blood splatter analysis,” Wesley said. “It may sound gruesome but I enjoy learning things about the body.”

Higley’s next contest will be at home in the Fox County Softball Tournament on Thursday against Jefferson from El Paso, Texas.