Primm and proper

Practice, practice and more practice.

That's the best way Michelle Primm can explain her ability to dominate this softball season.

Honored today as The Gazette's player of the year, Primm enjoyed the fruits of her labor as she led East Gaston to a second straight conference championship.

"I've been able to play tournament ball every summer and that's really helped me a lot," the senior pitcher said.

It shows.

Primm rarely allowed a run, finishing the season with a 1.25 ERA and 21-4 record. She struck out 161 batters in 163 innings and added a no-hitter to her resume in the Grand Strand Invitational at Myrtle Beach.

But what set her apart this spring was her explosive bat. She hit over .400 and led the Warriors with seven home runs and 34 RBIs.

"That was an extra bonus that nobody expected," East Gaston coach Richard Hawley said. "That really made a huge difference for us."

Primm and the Warriors enjoyed another fabulous season, sweeping the Big South 3A/4A Conference's regular-season and tournament championships. East Gaston then advanced to the second of the 4A playoffs, where it lost to eventual state finalist North Davidson.

"I really think that we came together as a team really well - especially toward the end of the season," Primm said.

If Primm learned anything throughout her high school career, it's that hard work pays off - a lesson she'll take with her to Belmont Abbey, where she will play next season.

Primm found it in herself to take a beach vacation immediately following graduation but she immediately returned to a schedule jam-packed with tournaments every weekend until August.

She plays for Bobby Shoemaker's Denver Dazzle team and takes plenty of instruction from her dad, Kenneth Primm, too.

As much as she plays softball, at no point has she felt burned out. She still enjoys every minute of it.

"My goal has always been to go to college and play softball and that's something that's driven me to keep going," Primm said. "Now that I've reached my goal, I have to produce results to keep me there."

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.