The Southern Standard partners with R3 Logistics and Mud Bums Family Sports Grill to honor a Pioneer of the Week throughout the year. Our honoree from March 10-16 is WCHS softball star Ky Damon.

It wasn't hard to spot Ky Damon during the first week of the softball season. Anytime the Lady Pioneers were on offense, you could usually locate Damon on the base paths.

The speedy junior, who has been a focal point of the WCHS softball offense the last two seasons, had a splendid start to the 2024 season, hitting .700 over five games and scoring a team-high seven times while also driving in two runs during the team's 3-2 start.

As incredible as Damon's batting average was through five games, her on-base percentage - an astonishing .812 - was even better. Damon was almost impossible to keep off base as she started her season with a triple against White County last week and followed by  slapping five singles and one double in her next nine at-bats. She also drew six walks during the first week.

Damon always uses her speed to her advantage as the lefty slapper can get to first in an instant after laying down bunts or finding the right opening in the infield. On the bases, she's just as dangerous as she stole two bases and was a threat to score on any ball in the gap. 

Damon is also a solid defender in centerfield, helping patrol the open green at the spacious WCHS softball field. She will be back in action Thursday at Columbia.