Alyssa Harris takes her turn as pitching workhorse for SWR

ASHEBORO — Alyssa Harris said she has always put her trust in the Lord when it comes to anything she does and the Southwestern Randolph High School softball star isn’t changing that philosophy even though she’s made a huge change on the field.

Harris, an incredibly talented infielder and hitter throughout her softball career at SWR, has taken over the No. 1 pitching position after Macie Crutchfield handled that role so successfully the past four years.

Although the Cougars have played just twice entering Four Rivers Conference action this week against Uwharrie Charter Academy, Harris has already shown she is very capable of handling the mound chores. She has hurled nine innings, giving up just two runs while striking out 16. The Cougars were 2-0 entering play this week.

“I certainly have prepared mentally more,” Harris said of her switch from shortstop to No. 1 pitcher. “I have to listen to my hype songs before I play softball to get my mind set. And I always draw a cross in the dirt to help me focus on the Lord.”

Her hype music consists of Christian artists.

“Pitching is a whole lot different than hitting,” Harris said. “But when I get in the box, it’s the same mindset, focus on God and I always look up. That is something I have always done. He gets me through every game and every day.”

Harris has certainly been a big part of the Cougars’ success in her three-plus years. SWR is 65-13 overall, including 33-3 in conference action with a 2024 state championship.

“Alyssa has pitched a lot of innings for us since she was a freshman,” SWR coach Toby Strider said. “She had some back trouble her sophomore year and was limited in innings. She threw a lot of innings for us last year.”

Successful softball pitchers have to have a special makeup. They must have short memories, thrive in stressful situations and be counted on game after game.

“Alyssa is a bulldog, she’s going to battle you,” Strider said. “She’s a winner. She’s becoming more and more vocal. She’s a leader in her work ethic and how she handles herself. In the circle, she is going to go right after you. That’s grit.”

One teammate who knows Harris quite well is senior Maddie Strider. Strider was the team’s starting catcher the past three seasons before moving to shortstop, Harris’ former position, for her senior campaign.

“Alyssa is a great pitcher and it’s fun to sit back and watch and know she has that confidence,” Strider said. “We all know she’s got this. We have so much confidence in her. She’s a great leader and a great teammate.”

After throwing two perfect innings in the team’s first game, she hurled a complete-game 6-3 win over perennial power Mount Pleasant. She gave up five hits while striking out 12. She had four strikeouts in the final two innings.

“This is great competition, but my heart was literally racing,” said Harris, who uses a riseball and screwball as well as her fastball. “I definitely feel the pressure, especially pitching this year coming from shortstop. I have to remember to stay calm and keep a positive mindset. I have confidence in every girl out there.”