Sophomore Raygan Barnes is the ace pitcher for the Thackerville High School fast-pitch team, where the right-hander has started since her freshman year. This season, Barnes pitched two perfect games against Mill Creek and Springer to give the Lady Wildcats a district championship. Barnes also has one no-hitter and several one-hit games to go along with her two perfect games. And behind the plate, Barnes led the team with a batting average of over .400 and 18 RBIs while only striking out five times on the season. 

“She is someone who wants to win and works hard to accomplish that goal,” coach Kenna Hunter said. “She is always focused on the field and tries to do what she can to help us win. She has a great stick and is our ace pitcher. She gives us a chance to win every single game. She is cool and collected on the field.” 

The Lady Wildcats finished the season 20-16 and were one game away from advancing to the state tournament. Hunter is excited about the future of Thackerville softball with her ace pitcher finishing just her sophomore fast-pitch season. 

“She really has improved so much in a year,” Hunter said. “She doesn’t walk very many and she has improved on the mound with her composure. She is a great kid that I enjoy coaching and since she is only a sophomore, she has a lot of room to improve and continue to get better for our team.” 

Outside of softball, Barnes also competes on the basketball team as the team’s point guard and the slow-pitch team as an outfielder. Outside of athletics, Barnes is involved in FCA, FFA, and NHS while carrying a 4.0 GPA. 

Barnes credits her parents, Shane and Heather, and her coaches, Mike Fletcher, and Reggie Ortiz, for her success on and off the softball field. 

“My family definitely makes me work harder and aren’t afraid to tell me like it is,” Barnes said. “My coaches always know how to get the most out of me and find ways to make me better during games.”