News Summary

Ava Zachary from Penn High School has been awarded the prestigious title of Indiana’s Miss Softball, becoming the first player from her school to earn this honor. Her remarkable achievements include a batting average of .543 and leading her team to a state championship victory in 2023. Ava’s dedication extends beyond the field, with an impressive GPA of 3.898. Her family has played a significant role in her success, as both her parents are involved in coaching. The South Bend community celebrates this milestone as she prepares for her future at Notre Dame University.

South Bend Celebrates Penn High School’s Own Ava Zachary Named Indiana’s Miss Softball

In a remarkable feat for both Ava Zachary and her school, Penn High School’s standout third baseman has just been crowned Indiana’s Miss Softball. This prestigious honor was awarded during the exciting North-South All-Star games held at Indiana University in Bloomington. What makes this achievement even more special is that Ava is the very first player from the Penn program to earn this coveted title, placing her school firmly on the map.

Impressive Stats Make Waves

Ava’s skills on the field have been nothing short of astounding, particularly in her senior season where she showcased a jaw-dropping batting average of .543. Her performance was consistently stellar, featuring a staggering on-base percentage of .574 and a slugging percentage of 1.000. This year alone, she racked up an impressive record of 50 hits, 62 RBIs (the highest in the state), as well as 10 doubles, four triples, and eight home runs. In addition, her speed and agility on the bases shone through as she successfully stole 22 bases while only committing a single error at third base.

A Stellar Career

This level of excellence has been consistent throughout her entire high school career. Ava accumulated an impressive batting average of .482 over the course of 128 games, with 196 hits, 174 RBIs, and 169 runs scored. Her career totals also included 41 doubles, 19 triples, and 20 home runs, complemented by a remarkable 79 stolen bases. With a solid overall record of 103-26-1, her impact on the Kingsmen team is undeniable.

Bringing Home the Championship

In her final year, Ava played a pivotal role in leading her team to four sectional titles, four regional titles, and even clinching the highly sought-after state championship in 2023. This thrilling victory was underscored by Ava scoring the game-winning run in the ninth inning of the state championship game against Roncalli, ensuring the team emerged victorious with a score of 2-1. Though the Kingsmen finished their season with a strong 25-5 record, they faced a tough loss to Crown Point in the semistate title game.

Academic Excellence Alongside Athletic Prowess

Ava’s achievements don’t just stop at the field; she’s also been recognized for her academic excellence with her team boasting an impressive overall GPA of 3.898. Her dedication to sports combined with her commitment to academics also earned her a special recognition as the 2025 National Female Athlete of the Year by the National High School Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association.

A Family Legacy of Softball

Ava’s success is deeply connected to her family roots in the sport. Her mother, Beth Zachary, serves as the Penn softball coach, while her father, Dave Zachary, is an assistant coach. This family support system has undoubtedly played a significant role in her development as an athlete and as a person.

A Grateful Heart

Upon receiving the Miss Softball award, Ava expressed deep gratitude for her teammates, coaches, and family. For her, this accolade is a testament to the entire Penn program rather than just an individual recognition. Ava views this honor as a source of motivation for future endeavors, pushing her to work even harder moving forward.

As South Bend celebrates this incredible achievement by one of its own, the community rallies behind Ava Zachary, proud of her accomplishments and excited to see what the future holds as she prepares to take her talents to Notre Dame University.

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