East Wake Academy softball savoring an all-time high

East Wake Academy’s fledgling softball program had literally nowhere to go but up when Rich Thompson took over as the head coach in the spring of 2014.

One year earlier, the Eagles had fielded their first-ever varsity team, but were unable to register a victory.

Under Thompson’s tutelage, East Wake Academy has experienced a positive arc ever since, starting with two triumphs in his first season. The Eagles made history in 2015 with five decisions – and a spot in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A State Playoffs, where they lost in the first round at Camden County.

With seven starters returning from that club, expectations were destined to be at an all-time high this spring, and East Wake Academy has lived up to its lofty promise with a 10-1 record through Thursday. The Eagles also opened 2-0 in the North Central Athletic Conference through that time.

“We have gotten progressively better the last three years,” said senior shortstop Brooke Sanderson, who has been with the program since its inception. “We now have some younger girls who have come in and stepped up. I feel like we now have the right ingredients.”

The Eagles continued their strong campaign on Thursday with a 19-4 decision over non-league opponent Falls Lake Academy at Pilot Lions Park, which serves as East Wake Academy’s home field.

The outcome was never in doubt after the Eagles sent 16 batters to the plate as part of a 13-run uprising in the bottom of the second inning. Freshman catcher Gracie Hodge, who bats cleanup, smacked a two-run single and drove in another marker with a triple. Second sacker Lauren Brown chipped in with a two-RBI base knock.

“When I first joined the team, I was kind of nervous,” Hodge said. “I wasn’t sure how I would fit in, but it has been great. This team came together early on.”

As part of its effective season, the Eagles have delivered victories over some higher-classification squads, including Durham School of Arts and Southern Vance. But one of the program’s highlights came in a loss as East Wake Academy lined up against Class 4A Knightdale on April 7. The Eagles lost 7-0, but gained a measure of respect for their performance against the larger school.

“With us being a small school, that game (versus Knightdale) was huge for us to play,” Thompson said. “It was a big accomplishment for our kids to know that they could go out and be competitive against a school that size. We made two errors that cost us six runs, and that was really the difference in the game.”

East Wake Academy’s roster is now loaded with veterans, including ace pitcher Rachel Thompson, a junior right-hander who is the daughter of the head coach. Thompson, a three-year starter, has picked up mound decisions in all of the Eagles’ triumphs this spring.

“We have become a strong team and program overall,” Rachel Thompson said. “Some of the girls – we have played together for a long time. We have a lot of players who can play.

“It’s really exciting, and it’s nice that the school recognizes us. We are one of the best (athletic) programs at the school, and we haven’t been around for long. It’s very rewarding.’’

While the Eagles have been on a consistent uptick for the past three seasons, there are two achievements that Rich Thompson would like to accomplish in 2016 with a club that features just two seniors – Sanderson and outfielder Lexi Hargesheimer.

“A realistic goal for us would be to win the conference for the first time and maybe make it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time,’’ the coach said. “We lost in the first round last year, so that would be the next step. We have come a long way, and it’s been nice to see this happen.”

Said Sanderson: “We expected to be stronger this year. Winning in the playoffs would be awesome because I have never won a state playoff game (in any sport). That would definitely make a statement.”

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 4:04 PM with the headline "East Wake Academy softball savoring an all-time high."