Moore High School’s Bailey McKittrick, Female Academic Athlete of the Month – Presented by Republic Bank & Trust

By John Tranchina

It wasn’t a pleasant feeling, but the experience of losing in the Class 6A state championship game last year has Bailey McKittrick motivated to get back there again and finish the job.

The Moore High School senior pitcher took the loss, allowing eight hits and two home runs as the Lions fell 6-4 to Southmoore, although she also led the offense with three hits and three runs scored, including a home run of her own.

“It makes you hungry for next season,” said McKittrick, who went 12-5 on the mound last year with a 2.74 ERA, while batting .348 with 19 RBI. “It makes you want to work even harder than you did last season, to get back to that state championship game, but not only to get back, but to win it. I guess it just gives you more drive.”

Now that she’s a senior, McKittrick, who plays outfield when not pitching and usually bats fifth, recognizes and accepts her role as a team leader.

“As a senior, you just have to set the best example for your teammates that you can and be that player that they can look up to,” said McKittrick, who carries a 3.58 GPA and is committed to play next year at the University of Central Oklahoma. “I think that’s what I really tried to do this year, to just pretty much be the leader of the team and show them what it’s like.”

“She is a great, quiet student,” said Moore coach Stephanie Riley. “She really works hard in the classroom, and she works hard on the softball field. She’s a four-year starter for us.”