“An amazing defensive presence,” is Wilson’s assessment of sophomore catcher Ashley Kropp, who pounded the ball at a .360 pace. Among her strengths are game management and pick-offs, added Wilson, who described Kropp as “a little catching machine. She runs the defense.”

Brittany Jones, a junior,  hit .385. “She’s one of the most decorated players in the state… definitely a college prospect,” said Wilson. The sure-handed and cat-quick Jones played second and third with alertness, intensity and a ‘hit-the-ball-to-me’ attitude. Jones, “a very talented player,” said Wilson,  has been honored three times each as three-time all conference and all-area, and twice as all-district.

Wilson said centerfielder Shalyn Brown brought something intangible to the game.

“I’m really proud of her, the amazing leadership she showed and the swagger she brought to the team,” Wilson reported. Brown also brought something very tangible, leading the squad in doubles, triples and home runs. “Shalyn Brown is a rare, rare athlete. We’ll miss her and Katie and Amber.”

Wilson noted that in spite of the swagger, nothing show-offy, his players work hard and “we just pull for each other — team first.

“I’m proud of these girls,” summarized Wilson. These selections, he said are “a testament to how hard these girls work. I’m all excited about (Polk) softball 2014.”

In 2012, Polk boasted two All-State winners, Alyssa Montgomery and Jamie Hrobak. Hrobak was two-time district pitcher of the year. Montgomery was four-time all-state.