Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week: Wilson Hall's Boudreau thriving at the plate early

Wilson Hall's Kaylan Boudreau may be the youngest player on the team, but she's making a major impact for the Lady Barons early in the season.

Last week, she hit her first varsity home run as the part of a hot start to her season, paving the way to her victory as the Hines Furniture Athlete of the Week.

"It means a lot," Boudreau said of the recognition. "Being the youngest player on the team, it shows that I have a place on the team and at Wilson Hall."

Last week, Boudreau went 4-4 in a win over Calhoun, smacking a home run and two doubles in the win. She ended up scoring three times and drove in two runs. That follows a strong performance in the Pee Dee Pitch Off last weekend. In her last four games prior to this week, Boudreau was 9-13 with six RBIs.

"I knew it was a big game and I had to come in and play the best I could," said the Lady Baron freshman. "I was just glad I could (hit the home run) for my team."

Boudreau may be young, but she carries some experience into her freshman season. She earned the starting job as the WH catcher midway through last season as an eighth grader. After winning a state title before reaching high school, she isn't overwhelmed by the pressure of varsity softball.

"I just wanted to come back like last year. This is my second year, so I have experience already and I know what to expect," Boudreau said. "Last year, going into state I was kind of nervous and I felt like I had all of this pressure on me. I got more comfortable after that."

Wilson Hall head coach Teresa Alexander knew Boudreau has seen that confidence building in Boudreau. She was happy to see it lead to success at the plate.

"Bou was a good hitter last year. I knew if she would've had full year of experience at the plate that she was going to come into the season more comfortable and confident and, thankfully, that's exactly what has happened," Alexander said. "With her just being a freshman, it's great to see how she's swinging so early in her high school career. I'm just anxious to see what her future may be like."

Boudreau hopes to keep building on her early success as she continues to develop with the Lady Barons.

"I just want to play the way I have been, keep helping the team," said Boudreau. "(Starting my varsity career well) means that I can still build on things as I get older so I can get better."