New Franklin senior Abby Maupin has elected to continue her softball career at Central Methodist University. Maupin signed a letter of intent last Thursday.

As a senior, Maupin helped New Franklin win both conference and district championships. The Lady Bulldogs advanced to the Class 1 state tournament before falling to St. Elizabeth in the first round.

Maupin enjoyed a stellar senior season, scoring a team-leading 27 runs on 29 hits while driving in 27. Eight of her hits were for extra bases with four doubles, two triples, and two home runs. 

A four-year starter at New Franklin, Maupin played most of her career at shortstop. “Abby was an outstanding leadoff hitter for us,” said New Franklin coach Ross Dowell. “Her getting on base usually led to runs for us.”

Maupin’s career numbers are impressive as well. She boasts a .399 career batting average. Dowell’s assessment of New Franklin scoring when Maupin got on base certainly rings true as evidenced by Maupin’s 108 career hits and 108 career runs. Over her career, she had 44 extra-base hits.

“We’re excited for her to get an opportunity to play at the next level and play for a top-notch program like CMU,” said Dowell.

CMU coach Pat Rearon said that having a close relationship with coach Dowell at New Franklin is a plus for the Eagle program. “They do a lot of the same things we do here, so Abby will come in knowing a lot of the terminology and methodology we use here.

“We know she gives 100% on the field and she has a lot of speed,” Reardon said. “With an all-conference player like Madison White at shortstop in front of her, we may need to work her in to a regular position. We’ll also rely on her speed as a pinch runner.”