Keystone pitcher Mackenzie Conrad named MaxPreps' National Softball Player of the Year

LAGRANGE, Ohio - Keystone Wildcat softball nation was still riding high after winning the 2012 state championship and finishing the season undefeated. For winning pitcher Mackenzie Conrad, things just got better.

MaxPreps.com , a website dedicated to high school sports, has named Conrad 2012 National Softball Player of the Year.

"It just has been amazing that all my dreams are coming true and this just tops everything off even more," said Conrad.

Dave Leffew has been Mackenzie's pitching instructor since she was 8 years old. He said her worth ethic is what has made her excel.

"Her being player of the year is just phenomenal, quite an honor and well deserving with all the hard work she put into it," said Leffew.

Keystone has a tradition of great softball pitchers. Leffew's daughter, Amie Leffew, was a star pitcher for the Wildcats. Conrad broke her record in 2012 for most wins in a season by one win.

"Records are meant to be broken," said Amie. "I couldn't be more proud and more honored that someone who worked as hard as she did beat quite a few records."

Conrad said winning player of the year was not just her award but the entire team's award. She said she could not have done it without the love and support of her family.

"They are the people who are always going to be there for me no matter what," shared Mackenzie. "Just to have them be a part of this and such a big part of my life through all  this has been, its been a blessing to have them it really is."

Conrad will attend the University of Akron this fall and will play softball for the Zips.