Big 8 goalie of the year signs to Neosho school

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Cassville softball pitcher Aubrey Stoufer will continue her career in the circle, signing recently to play for Crowder College in Neosho.

Pitching for the Lady Wildcats the last four years, Stoufer has been part of multiple record-setting teams, memories she said she will not soon forget.

“We had many accomplishments [over my four years],” she said. “[They include the] first ever district title, first ever co-conference championship and a Final Four appearance with fourth in state.”

That last accomplishment came this year, when the Lady Wildcats posted an 18-12 season and reached the Final Four, ultimately falling to Doniphan in the semifinals, 13-3, then Macon in the third-place game, 6-5.

Following the barrage of accomplishments at the prep level, Stoufer said she chose to sign with Crowder because the program was so welcoming.

“With Crowder, I knew I was going to have the best support system there with softball,” she said. “There was definitely other schools I was looking at and that I was considering, but Crowder just felt like home.”

Looking back at her Cassville career, Stoufer said she did not have to go far to pick out the most memorable moment.

“The greatest memory I had playing softball at Cassville high school was the Southern Boone game,” she said. “The excitement and thrill we all had that game was something you can’t describe to someone if they weren’t there.”

Cassville defeated Southern Boone in the sectional round of the state tournament, 2-0, with Stoufer scoring the first run in the top of the first after hitting a double, then scoring the second run on a solo home run in the fourth inning. She also finished the contest with 10 strikeouts.

Stoufer said over the years playing softball, certain people stand out for making such a successful prep career possible.

“The people that truly had the biggest impact in my career first is my parents; always making every game possible,” she said. “Next is my coachess giving me the best pep talks when I get down on myself. Lastly is all the little girls who came and supported me and cheering as loud as they can.”

To extend beyond the high school game, Stoufer said one major characteristic is required.

“Advice I would give to other athletes hoping to sign to play collegiate ball is to show how much you are dedicated to the sport; it goes a long way,” she said. “Putting in the time and effort will help you get to that level you are wanting.”

Stoufer is the daughter of Tracey and Brandon Stoufer, of Cassville. She plans to major in pre-medicine.