Eyeing the record

By Tim Branstetter
Sports Writer

May 09, 2008 10:35 am

— While the North Laurel Jaguar softball team has been like a fast race car hung in high gear this season, Rachel Akins could be considered the nitros button with her ability to boost her team with the long ball.
Akins has 11 career home runs, nine of those while at North Laurel. Two more long balls and she will tie the career home run record set by Crystal Cowden with 11. Akins has also tied the season record set by Becky Abner with seven, and she seems unfazed by the opportunity to put her name in the history books and was unaware of her accomplishment.
“I just go up there and try to hit,” Akins said. “Some of them just go over the fence.”
She might not be swinging for the fence every time she takes the plate, but Akins admits it is a good feeling to watch it leave the park.
“It’s an adrenaline rush,” Akins said. “I like it. I can tell when it hits the bat and feels real solid. It just feels good.”
Akins credits her coaches for all the work they put into hitting the ball, but credits her family for being there and always encouraging her.
“Our coaches work everyday on our hitting and defense to get us where we are at,” Akins said. “My sister (Katie Akins) was also a catcher and she has been a big influence to me. Also my Dad. He is very encouraging and when I am mad he lets me vent to him and he don’t say anything.”
North Laurel coach Shane Weaver is not only impressed with Akins’ strength, but the fact she could reach huge numbers before her high school career ends.
“She has the physical strength that it takes,” Weaver said. “The scary thing is that she is only a junior so we could be looking at double digits by the end of the year and more. That is going to set well for her future in college as well. College coaches love to see the power especially from behind the plate.”
Although Akins feels her team goal of winning the state championship is more important than personal goals, she admits it would be nice to have her name in the record books.
“That would be cool,” Akins said. “I wouldn’t mind that. When I’m old I can say, ‘yeah back then I was cool and I was good.’ Yeah that would be cool.”

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