NNS Female Athlete of the Week

Introducing Rylan Wade from South Lenoir, a freshman who’s taking the field by storm and earning the spotlight in this week’s Neuse News Athlete of the Week. This honor is sponsored soley by North Carolina Senator Jim Perry. In Wade’s last three games, she’s knocked out an impressive 5-7 at the plate, including 6 runs, 4 RBIs, a double, and not one, not two, but three homers, plus two walks. Talk about making an entrance!

Rylan 3-Game Stretch
–vs SOHS 1-2 1R 1SB
-vs North Duplin 3-3 2RBIs 2R 2HR 1SB
-vs Kinston 1-2 2RBIs 3R 1HR 1SB

Rylan’s coach, Madison Harvey, is all praises, highlighting her fierce competitiveness and skill. “Rylan is super competitive. She has a dominant approach at the plate and hits the ball really well. And it’s not just offense; defensively, she’s just as much an asset!” It’s clear Rylan’s not here to play games—well, except softball, and she plays it well.

When asked how it feels to make such a strong impact early on, Rylan shared, “It feels really great! I’m super excited to be at this next level and anxious to see how the season continues!” Her enthusiasm for the game and dedication to making the most of her freshman season are truly infectious.

Rylan’s approach to the game is uniquely her own; she doesn’t mimic any particular player. Instead, she focuses on giving her best, keeping her game strategy simple but effective: “Play game” is the mantra she repeats to keep herself centered and ready.

Before games, Rylan powers up with a Cliff Bar, and her pregame music of choice? “Me vs Me” by Moneybagg Yo, a rap track that pumps her up and gets her prepared to face any challenge on the field. And for her favorite sports team, Rylan’s heart belongs to Clemson softball.

Rylan Wade, with her remarkable stats, unique preparation rituals, and dedication to excellence, is definitely a young athlete to watch this season.