'No. 2 pitcher in the country': Simpson named VYPE's Public School Softball Player of the Year

In her senior season pitching for the state champion Barbers Hill Lady Eagles softball team, Sophia Simpson was a force to be reckoned with.

Simpson’s wizardry on the mound frustrated opposing batters and thrilled her teammates, earning her not just a Class 5A crown but VYPE Public School Softball Player of the Year and Gatorade Texas Softball Player of the Year honors.

Next spring, the University of Texas softball program will have the same services that powered Barbers Hill to the top.

“Signed! Help us welcome Sophia Simpson to our Texas softball family! We're so glad to have you with us Sophia! Our final 2021 signee is listed as the No. 4 overall player and No. 2 pitcher in the country per Extra Inning Softball,” the program’s Facebook account posted last November.

Simpson graduated from Barbers Hill with a line that’s simply a tough act to follow – a 21-0 record with a 0.17 earned-run average and 271 strikeouts.

Her legacy was sealed in the 2021 state title game in which she hurled a four-hit complete game without giving up an earned run.