The Texas Smoke clinched the 2023 WPF Regular Season Championship this past week and proceeded to claim several of the top awards at the WPF Awards banquet. After a season of watching this team, it was no surprise to see all the accolades they collected Tuesday night. Coach Tori Tyson and her staff, assistant coach Monique White and pitching coach Cat Tarvin, took home the 2023 Coaching Staff of the Year award. After taking the Texas Smoke to the number one seed headed into playoffs in their inaugural season, the recognition was well deserved. The staff guided the Smoke through a long, hot season and produced one of the most potent offenses and a stout defenses behind some excellent pitching.
Speaking of excellent pitching, Autumn Pease was named the Pitcher of the Year. Pease put in 90.2 innings of work over the course of the season, leading the league by 20 innings pitched. She was among the top 5 in the league in both ERA and strikeouts, as well. She was a true workhorse for the Texas Smoke and will be a key piece in the quest for success in the playoffs. Pease was also selected as a member of the All-WPF team.
Morgan Howe secured the Offensive Player of the Year, placing in the top 3 in most offensive categories and leading the league in RBIs. Howe could always be counted on to get a hit in clutch situations and her power was evident in the 7 HRs she accumulated over the season. She was also an asset on the defensive side, most often holding down left field for the Smoke. Additionally, Howe was also selected as a member of the All-WPF team.
The league’s Player of the Year award went to Janae Jefferson. Jefferson was pivotal in the success during the Smoke’s debut season. Leading the league in hits, batting average, and on base percentage, Jefferson’s lead off abilities were a key part of the Smoke’s stellar offensive production. Her defensive prowess was equally key, handling anything hit in her direction with ease and making double plays look easy. Janae also earned a spot on the All-WPF team.
Charla Echols (infield), Baylee Klingler (at-large), and Sam Show (pitcher) were each also named to the All-WPF squad.
After such recognition at the league level, and earning the regular season championship, the Smoke will be heading into the playoffs with a lot of momentum.
Other Notable League Awards:
Kayla Kowalik from the USSSA Pride – Rookie of the Year
Sydney Sherrill of the OKC Spark – Defensive Player of the Year
Full All-WPF Team
Fa Leilua – INF – OKC Spark
Janae Jefferson – INF – Texas Smoke
Ali Aguilar – INF – USSSA Pride
Charla Echols – INF – Texas Smoke
Sydney Sherrill – INF – OKC Spark
Michelle Moultrie – OF – OKC Spark
Morgan Howe – OF – Texas Smoke
Kayla Kowalik – OF – USSSA Pride
Autumn Pease – P – Texas Smoke
Samantha Show – P – Texas Smoke
Ally Carda – P – USSSA Pride
Haley Lee – At Large – OKC Spark
Baylee Klingler – At Large – Texas Smoke
Jocelyn Alo – At Large – OKC Spark
Makena Smith – At Large – SIS Vipers
SilentRain Espinoza – At Large – USSSA Pride
Suzy Brookshire – At Large – SIS Vipers
Donnie Gobourne – At Large – OKC Spark