Zion Chapel head coach Ethan Deal was named the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Class 2A Softball Coach of the Year on Saturday. 

Deal led his Lady Rebels to the first state championship in school history. Deal was also named The Messenger’s Softball Coach of the Year, as well. Zion Chapel pitchers Riley Bannin and Sydney Boothe both earned All-State honors, too. Boothe was named First-Team All-State, while Bannin earned Second-Team All-State. 

Bannin was The Messenger’s Pitcher of the Year this season. Bannin had a stellar senior season but she saved her best for last, winning the State Tournament Most Valuable Player after striking out 26 batters and holding a 1.591 ERA with a 3-0 record during the tournament. For the season, Bannin held a 2.093 ERA with a 1.061 WHIP and an area-leading 119 strikeouts in a staggering 130 and 2/3 innings pitched.

Boothe was The Messenger’s Pitcher of the Year in 2024 and once again put together a stellar campaign, striking out 101 batters, while holding a 2.520 ERA and a 1.130 WHIP in 100 innings in the circle.

Pike Liberal Arts School’s Alissa Barron, Camryn Brown and Haylie Brown all earned All-State honors, as well. Barron claimed Second-Team honors, while both Brown sisters earned honorable mention. 

Barron was The Messenger’s Player of the Year. She earned a .275 batting average with a .328 on-base percentage, seven doubles, two triples, a home run, 21 RBIs, 25 runs and seven stolen bases. She also pitched 120 and 1/3 innings and fanned 60 batters, while holding a 3.50 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. She also earned a .933 fielding percentage at third base. 

Camryn Brown was one of the top power hitters in the area, blasting an area-leading six home runs, while holding a .310 batting average with three triples, 17 stolen bases, 23 RBIs and 38 runs. She also held a .947 fielding percentage at second base. Haylie Brown earned a .373 batting average with six doubles, 28 RBIs and 35 runs. She also held a .824 fielding percentage.