Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Carleigh Mattox, a current 8th grader at Prattville Junior High School, recently participated in the USA 12U All-American Games in Oklahoma City, held from August 7 – 10. She was one of only nine softball players selected from the state of Alabama, according to Jason Mattox.
“I was honored to be offered a spot on the team,” said Mattox. “It lets me know that my hard work is paying off. There are so many talented softball players my age, so I was just happy to be a part of it. I’ve seen the nice field on ESPN, but to play on it was amazing.”
The event took place at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. The stadium is the annual host to the Women’s College World Series, and it will also host the 2028 Softball Olympics.
To form the teams, the USA Softball Committee divided the US into regions for all 50 states. In total, 360 players were selected nationwide to form 24 teams to represent the different regions.
Mattox played for the Region 4 Stripes in the 12U division, coached by Jeff Wilkerson and Adam Tennyson of the Birmingham Bolts organization. Mattox and the Region 4 Stripes made the most of the event. The Stripes advanced to the championship game and finished as the Runner-Up with a record of 6-1. The finalists received a USA Finalists ring and a lanyard with a medal. Individually, Mattox had a .500 average with 10 runs scored, 8 stolen bases, and 2 RBIs. She played catcher for 22 innings and threw out 3 base runners.
“Winning is always fun, but what I enjoyed the most was building friendships with other girls and making memories. The experience is something I will never forget, and I hope I get the chance to do it again,” said Mattox.
Mattox plays travel ball for the Lady Stix 2012, coached by Robbie Pelt and Bradley Currier out of Montgomery. She is also an honors student and plays basketball and flag football in addition to softball.
“I’m only 13, so I just want to focus on working hard to get better, surround myself with other girls that love softball, and attend college camps and showcases so I can learn as I grow. If it’s part of God’s plan for me, I hope I get the chance to play college softball one day. Or maybe even pass down some things I’ve learned to younger girls.”
