By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
JAMESVILLE — Elizabeth Ange certainly left her mark at Jamesville High School, both on the playing fields and in the classroom.
The Jamesville valedictorian was a three-sport sensation, excelling in softball, volleyball and basketball. Because of her success in the classroom and on the playing fields, Ange was voted the 2009 WDN Female Athlete of the Year.
“I’m excited about it,” Ange said. “I was surprised because there are so many good athletes.”
While many fans know about Ange’s exploits on the softball diamond, basketball court and volleyball court, not as many are aware of her accomplishments in the classroom. The affable, outgoing Ange was the valedictorian after accumulating a weighted-GPA of 4.3
“School was really important,” she said. “I always got upset when I didn’t make good grades, kind of like getting upset if you don’t make good plays in the field. I guess it’s kind of the same.
“School came easy to me because I always listened in class.”
Ange, who will study speech language pathology at East Carolina University beginning this fall, said her parents, Trent and Linn Ange, had a lot to do with her high school success.
“My daddy has always helped me with sports,” said Ange, who plans to work with handicapped children and become a coach in Jamesville after she graduates from college. “He’s always pushed me to be my best. My mamma has, too, but my daddy pushed a little bit harder.
“They always made sure I did my schoolwork first, and then sports. That’s why I had such good grades.”
Ange was just as good out of the classroom. She was a four-time selection to the WDN all-area softball team, including three straight years as a first-team choice.
This year, after hitting .365 with three home runs and 20 RBIs, the senior shortstop and part-time pitcher was voted the 2009 WDN Softball Player of the Year. Ange said of the three sports she played, softball was her favorite.
Her softball coach, Richie Ange, said that the lone senior on this year’s squad was a great choice for Female Athlete of the Year.
“Elizabeth has been a really talented young lady, in the classroom and on the field,” coach Ange said. “She was a four-year starter in all three sports, and she was the go-to player in all three sports. She always came up big in big-time situations.
“I can’t think of anybody more deserving than Elizabeth with what she’s done with each of the sports she’s participated in. She’s a leader and an outstanding player.”
Elizabeth Ange led the Bullets in scoring during basketball season.
She was also a leader in volleyball, where she was named to the WDN All-Area First Team as a middle hitter. Ange averaged 11 kills per match, and averaged 14 points a match.
Carrie Jones, Ange’s coach in basketball and volleyball, had nothing but kinds words to say about her star player after the team fell in the state volleyball playoffs.
“She’s kind of the heart and soul of our team,” Jones said. “It kind of revolves around her. Most of our offense runs through her. Those are going to be some big shoes to fill next year.”
Ange praised her coaches for helping her to become a solid athlete.
“They meant a lot,” she said of Riche Ange and Jones. “They always pushed me to be my best, and they always knew what to expect from me.
“They taught me some good things that I can carry beyond the field and court.”
It was certainly a memorable four-year ride for Ange. She helped lead her Bullets to the state softball championships in 2006 and 2009, was a freshman on the volleyball team that won its first-ever playoff game and was on the basketball team that picked up its first playoff victory in over 10 years last season.
Ange said that playing at the second smallest school in the state has been a joy.
“It meant a lot,” she said. “I grew up here and used to watch all the other girls. I was excited when I finally got to play. It’s been really nice.”
The small town certainly grew fond of Ange, and the fans were there to support her and the rest of the Bullets every step of the way.
“I knew going to Walnut Creek that we were going to have the biggest crowd even though we were the smallest school,” she said. “It just felt good because every time we ran by, they clapped for us.
“Every year in the playoffs, we always have a huge crowd. They love us.”
Elizabeth Ange, the 2009 WDN Female Athlete of the Year, certainly gave her fans plenty of reasons to cheer.