Plimpton named All-American
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Chelsea Plimpton was named a first team Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association High School All-American for the first time. File photo

Chelsea Plimpton never thought she would be named a first team Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association High School All-American so when she found out she made it this year, she was shocked.

"I was surprised," said Plimpton, who graduated from Williamsville South in June. "I didn't think I would get it."

It's not the first time she has been an All-American, taking home third team accolades in 2004 and second team in 2006, but in those years, South won New York State Class A titles. This year, South was knocked out in the Far West Regionals but her incredible numbers (1,427 strikeouts, 78 shutouts, 47 walks, walked 1.7 percent of batters faced) and her NYS Gatorade Player of the Year honor must have convinced the selection committee to choose her.

"I figured maybe she'd get honorable mention," said South coach Gerry Gentner. "It was a total surprise and a tremendous way to close out her career."

To qualify for All-American status, a player must earn All-State first team and All-East Coast first team honors. Plimpton was named to both. She was also the only player from New York to make the first team.

Gentner thinks Plimpton is the first softball player from Section VI to be named as a first team All-American. South grads Michelle Fridey and Dana Carter were named second and third team All-Americans in past years.

Plimpton will report to St. John's University on Aug. 22.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com