High school softball: MVPs stood out as players, teammates

It might have been a quiet conversation, a pep talk. It could have been a compliment after a key play or a big hit. And it was always expressing pride and joy at the success of others that distinguished this year's Deseret News Most Valuable Players.

It wasn't just when the game was on the line that these four players led their teammates to success. It was every day at practice, in the gym, in the rain and even in the off-season. Their work ethics were second to none and their attitudes endlessly positive.

Determining the value of one person among a team of talented contributors is difficult. But this year's softball MVPs distinguished themselves by leading their teammates in different ways and through various challenges.

5A: CYD ALLEN, Taylorsville, C, Sr.

After her performance in last year's state tournament, Cyd Allen became like Goliath to opposing pitchers. There wasn't a bigger accomplishment for a hurler than striking out or limiting this BYU-bound slugger to a single.

Allen led the Warriors to the 5A state title last season. Any player trying to defend a state championship feels pressure, but none more than a standout like Allen.

"She didn't rest on that at all," said Warriors head coach Rich Kaelin. "She worked her tail off, staying late and practicing whatever she needed. She led by example."

Kaelin said it was in the shadow of last year's accomplishments that Allen showed her true grit and fortitude.

"This year she really showed me her strength," he said. "She didn't care what she'd done last year or where she'd signed. She just wanted to work hard and try to get another championship."

Allen fell just short of that goal and, unfortunately, was sick on the day of the title game. Still, she was behind the plate and doing her best to help the Warriors have a successful season.

She finished the year with a .465 batting average, had 34 RBIs and smacked nine home runs. She had an outstanding .831 slugging percentage. Most importantly, she demonstrated that there is no situation that humor won't improve.

"She's a really funny kid," Kaelin said. "She kept things light, but then also very focused. ... She just went about her business and played ball. She was just amazing."

4A: LAUREN FOLTA, Tooele, P, Sr.

In the middle of the season, Tooele's three seniors approached their coaches about their efforts as players.