Kennett softball player Handley McAtee commits to Northwest Mississippi

KENNETT, Mo. - Kennett High School senior Handley McAtee signed to play softball at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

According to the two-sport athlete, who just won her third consecutive state title in tennis, continuing her softball career on the collegiate level has been a dream come true.

However, she notes none of this would have ever happened without the support of her family.

“Softball has been a very huge part of my life,” McAtee said. “I obviously wouldn’t be here without everyone’s support. My family has meant so much to me and they have spent countless hours helping me continue to play this sport I truly love. My dad has worked so hard to make me the player that I am and I am so grateful for those hours.”

McAtee started her career at six years old and has continued to progress since then. Now, she is a star pitcher for the Indians with multiple school records and a few Missouri state records.

According to Kennett’s head softball coach Logan Dollins, McAtee’s junior season was a ‘breakout’ year for her.

She broke the All-Time season hit record with 78 and the season doubles record with 27 hits. Not only were these two school records for Kennett, but both of these were Missouri state records.

McAtee also broke the season RBI record for the Indians. She overcame the previous school record, held by her former teammate Hadley Wilson at 60, by grabbing 62 RBIs in her junior campaign. This is also the seventh most RBIs in a single season of All-Time in the state of Missouri.

“Her high school campaign has been nothing short of amazing,” Dollins said. “As a coach, she’s been a joy to watch play. College signings are something great, but they’re bittersweet because as you get ready to move on to your next journey in softball, you have to leave this one behind.”

Her performance this season made her First-Team All-Conference, All-District and All-Region. She was also First-Team All-State, leading the Indians to a 25-9 record and a Second place showing at the State tournament. This was their highest placing since earning second in 2019.

Her dominance for the Indians was shown as early as her freshman year, where she was First-Team All-Conference, First-Team All-District, and All-Region honoree and made Second-Team All-State.

She helped guide the team to a 22-8 record and a third-place finish at the State Tournament.

In her sophomore year, the team went 23-9 as McAtee picked up First-Team selections in the conference, region and district while also making her first First-Team All-State team.

“Personally, I’m going to enjoy every moment this year as I get to watch her play for her final season,” Dollins said. “Northwest is getting more than just a great softball player. They are getting a great person and her accomplishments don’t just reflect on the field, but they reflect Handley off the field as well.”

As a senior at Kennett, McAtee has made a lasting impact on the Indian community. Dollins notes how all of her teammates look up to her, including his two daughters at home.

Likewise, athletic director Seth McBroom said in his six months with Kennett, he has noticed how much of a leader McAtee is in everything she does.

“I’ve only been here a short time, but I went to the state tournament last year and it took me three seconds to realize that you want to root for her,” McBroom said.”I’ve gotten to know her a little more over my six months here and you can tell hard work and determination is just in her DNA. I know her parents are proud, I’m proud of her and the coaches are proud as well as the entire school. Her demeanor and all she does around the school is second to none and our daughters get to look up to players like you.”

Her high school career isn’t over yet. Her senior season will start up in March and McAtee is on a watchlist to break at least two more school records. She is on track to break the school’s career doubles record, which is 69, and the career hits record which sits at 200. McAtee currently has 182 hits through three seasons.

As she enters her final season as an Indian, McAtee is excited to have one more ride with her coaches and teammates.

“My teammates have shown me so much love and support over the last four years,” McAtee said. “They just mean so much to me, so thank you all for loving me and I am excited for one more year.”

The Kennett Indians softball season will officially start on March 18 with the Kennett Jamboree at 4 p.m. at Indian Park.