UK Athletics Photo
Kentucky signee Emory Donaldson of Ballard was part of only the third team in Kentucky High School Athletic Association history to win consecutive state championships (Owensboro Catholic 1998-99 and Greenwood 2007-08 were the other two).
Ballard (36-1) also had a state record 61-game winning streak over the last two seasons.
“Both titles were different in their own way. The first one was the first state championship in Ballard history which was awesome,” said Donaldson. “This one was more bittersweet knowing it was my last game with this team.
“I think the first one was harder trying to get there and accomplish what we did. This year was a lot more fun because we knew we could do it because we had already done it.”
Donaldson hit .457 this season with 49 RBI’s, 12 home runs, 11 doubles, seven triples and 24 stolen bases.
Donaldson doesn’t think she’ll feel any added pressure at UK as a two-time state champion because of the talented recruiting class she’s part of.
“My parents attended UK. I grew up a UK fan attending softball and football games,” Donaldson said. “I got the call (from coach Rachel Lawson) and it was a dream come true.
“After my visit I knew if I got offered I was going. She extended the offer and I said I would absolutely like to go here.”
