Earns Gamer of the Week Honors

Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald are pleased to present this week’s Female Gamer of the Week to Junior Mattie Carroll of the Winfield High School softball team.   

For junior pitcher Mattie Carroll, softball isn’t just a sport, it's a lifelong passion that began with tee ball and evolved into a decorated career built on hard work, leadership, and love for the game. “I started off playing tee ball and then just kept playing softball,” Carroll said. “I’ve loved it ever since.” 

Now in her 10th year playing, Carroll is one of West Virginia’s premier high school pitchers. Wearing number 6 for the Winfield High School softball team, she has become a key player in the Generals’ push for another state championship. 

Her performance this season has been nothing short of stellar. On the mound, Carroll boasts a 17-4 record with 175 strikeouts in 137 1/3 innings pitched, posting an impressive 1.33 ERA. At the plate, she’s hitting .388 with 10 doubles and 23 RBIs. 

Her coach, Steve Hensley, says Carroll’s talent is matched only by her composure and presence. “Mattie is a steady leader for our team,” Hensley said. “She’s one of the better pitchers in the state of West Virginia and handles herself with much maturity and confidence when she’s in the circle. One of her best attributes is her demeanor. She keeps a strong presence during games, and that makes a tremendous difference in how our team responds to tough situations.” 

Carroll credits the team’s success to relentless work and strong bonds among players. “We’ve been successful because of our team chemistry and how hard we work from preseason through postseason,” she said. “My favorite thing about softball is getting to play with my friends.” 

Carroll’s dedication to excellence extends beyond the field. She is a member of the National Honor Society at Winfield High and plays on the VA Glory National softball team. Her efforts have earned her major recognition, including being named MaxPreps 2024 Player of the Year and a PGF finalist. 

When it comes to role models, Carroll doesn’t have to look far. “My parents are my biggest inspirations,” she said. “They work so hard for me and my brothers to achieve our goals. They’re always there to support me and have taught me how to push through adversity and keep improving.” 

Looking ahead, Carroll plans to play college softball while studying dentistry, a goal she approaches with the same focus and intensity that defines her time on the field. 

Please look for other local high school athletes to be named in next week’s Female Gamer of the Week Sponsored by Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. and The Putnam Herald.

MEGAN SCARBERRY, MS, CPT, POTENTIAL PLUS INSTRUCTOR AT TEAYS PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER INC.