Joi Hubbard picks up state softball honor

ALBANY — Joi Hubbard picked up something shiny for the trophy case last weekend.

Hubbard, a 12-year-old middle school student at Deerfield-Windsor, traveled to Hampton to play in the USSSA Georgia all-star softball showcase. The team she played on won the tournament, and they received large championship rings for their efforts.

“It went very well,” Hubbard said. “It was a great experience.”

Hubbard, a utility player, was one of 30 players participating in the invitational event.

She said she had a strong weekend offensively, with her bat contributing to the victory. Hubbard is in her third year of playing softball.

“I’m a doubles, base-hit hitter,” said Hubbard, who has been working with local travel ball coach Mike Matthews.

In addition to having some success on the field in Hampton, Hubbard said she enjoyed the experience of the entire weekend.

“Just the fun of meeting new people,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard was chosen for the event through a nominating process by USSSA coaches from around the state.

“You either have to be nominated by your team’s coach or a coach from another team, and she was actually nominated by a coach who had seen her play,” Hubbard’s mother, Sherrie Hubbard, said. “To be nominated was a big honor for her, and to play with the top 30 players (in Georgia) was a great experience.”