For Grant County High School Sophomore, Brianna Knochelman, hard work has started to pay off. The 2022 fastpitch season for the Grant County Lady Braves ended one game from the state tournament. Knochelman, a pitcher remembers the game well, “The semi-final and Final game for regionals were at the University of Louisville. When I stepped out onto the field and saw so many people from Grant County in the crowd, it made me feel amazing to have them there to support us.”
The Lady Braves were 32nd District Champions and Region 8 Runner-Ups, Knochelman, as a freshman, earned her 500th strikeout during the 2022 season. Brianna is a 2x 32nd District All-tournament team member, 2x 32nd District MVP, 2x Region All-Tournament team member, NKY Co-Player of the Year, All-State Honorable Mention team member, and received the KSCA Kentucky Prep Softball Region 8 Player of the Year award.
Not all of the season was an easy road, “I struggled with mental toughness and let the pressure from the season before get to me. I also struggled to be the hitter I know I can be.” Knochelman shares. She has many goals for the upcoming 2023 season that she is already working toward. “My main goal for this season is for my team and I to win a regional title. Another goal is to win districts for the 3rd year in a row.” To Brianna, her sophomore season has any opportunities for success, “I’m most looking forward to playing under the lights and looking forward to representing Grant County.”
The addition of the lights at the fastpitch and baseball complexes is a huge benefit. The Lady Braves are going to be exciting to watch this upcoming season. With Brianna on the mound chasing other Grant County fastpitch records, it is definitely going to be an exciting ride watching the success of the Lady Braves.