Oconee County High Grad Geri Ann Glasco Selected as Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year

graduate of the Geri Ann Glasco has joined an elite group of athletes who've held the title of the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year.

Olympic Gold Medalist Jessica Mendoza broke the news to Glasco before she played in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game Wednesday, according to a news release.

See photos from the announcement on Gatorade's POY Facebook Page.

Glasco, a 5-foot-6 senior right-handed pitcher, was picked from a pool of more than 373,000 softball players nationwide by an advisory panel comprised of sport-specific experts and sports journalists. She is the first softball player from Georgia to receive the award.

She led the Warriors (38-2) to the this past season. The Class AAA Player of the Year, Glasco posted a 19-0 record with a 0.50 ERA in the circle, while batting .564 with 62 RBI and a state single-season record 24 home runs. A four-time First Team All-State selection, she struck out 213 batters in 113 innings, firing 13 shutouts and four no-hitters. Glasco also broke the state career record for home runs (47) and doubles (58).

Glasco's now in the running for the Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year award, which will be given prior to The ESPY awards next month, according to the release.

“Geri Ann is a dominating pitcher, but her hitting is what sets her apart from other athletes,” said Garland Cooper of ESPNHS Softball, in a released statement. “She is one of the purest power hitters in the country. Batting from the left side, she is a rare talent that not only can hit for power, but also for average. In the circle, Glasco wants the ball in big games and has the smarts to take command of a game. I can’t wait to see what she can do at the next level.”

The softball star told the Athens Banner-Herald the award is further incentive to continue to work hard and achieve greatness.

Glasco has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball on scholarship at the University of Georgia this fall.

Aside from her athletic abilities, Glasco volunteers as a youth softball instructor and on behalf of an elementary school literacy-outreach initiative. She is also a member of , where she donates time for various service projects.

Learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year awards be visiting playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.