This year has been filled with a number of Cinderella stories in Beaufort County’s sports scene.

The Washington Pam Pack girls’ soccer team turned their year into a championship appearance. They were 8-11-2 a season ago in the Coastal Conference in class 3-A. This year they were moved to the Eastern Plains Conference in class 2-A and didn’t have enough players to start the season. However, a couple of student-athletes joined the team at the last minute, enabling them to not only compete, but to grace the North Carolina State Championship stage last weekend.

The TEACH girls basketball team made it to the fourth round of the NACA National Tournament and two of their student-athletes, Olivia Maxey and Whitney Rowe, signed with Mid-Atlantic Christian University.

Pungo Christian Academy Coach John Scott Cutler led his baseball team to the first winning season in several years, beating Lawrence Academy for the first time in over two decades. Lawrence Academy is a baseball powerhouse out of Merry Hill in the Tarheel Independent Conference.

These are just some of Beaufort County’s success stories this year. All graduating seniors should be proud of their participation in high school sports. The memories made during those years — every practice, every game — are priceless.

Those who choose to play collegiate sports should carry that momentum and that pride into continuing their sports careers. Whether it’s a baseball or softball diamond, the hardwood, the gridiron or a soccer pitch, always remember the importance of good sportsmanship and personal pride. It is also important to remember to encourage teammates. Everyone always wants to win, but the real winners are the ones that walk off the field with heads held high and shaking the hands of the opponents.

The Washington Daily News recently announced its spring all-county team as well as its picks for top athletes and coach of the year. This weekend, sports editor David Cuchiarra will address the stories of WDN Coach of the Year Ed Rodriguez, and players of the year, Christian Heggie and Stevie Green.