Extra Effort: Mills slugs her way into Cleveland's record book

The Cleveland softball team completed a successful season by advancing to the third round of the 4A state playoffs.

A big reason why was the slugging from senior Kassidy Mills who wrapped up a celebrated high school career.

"We knew when we saw her swing a bat, that we had to find a way to get her on the field," Cleveland softball coach James Morris said, remembering Mills as a freshman.

"I started playing softball when I was around six years old. It's just something I've always loved growing up," Mills said.

When Mills hits the ball, it goes a long way. As a junior, she hit eight home runs, which tied the Cleveland single-season home run record.

"We had to have a bat like hers in the lineup," Morris said. "She came to us a physical specimen."

Mills’s 6-foot frame is not only an asset in softball, but also in basketball, where she led the Rams in blocked shots the last two seasons.

"I love softball more, but basketball is definitely more entertaining and energetic. It's more fun to play, I guess you can say," Mills said.

An overall good teammate, Mills was recognized with all-conference honors for her sportsmanship last season.

"Kassidy got along well with everyone," said Clevevland assistant girls basketball coach Emily Parker. "You see her quiet encouragement. You see her cheering her teammates when they come off the court."

"She's not going to be an in-your-face type at all, but when she's asked to do and knows what she's supposed to do, she just goes ahead and takes charge," Morris said.

"It's kind of nice. Some of (my younger teammates) will tell me and they look up to me, and they want to be like me one day," Mills said.

Kassidy has signed to play softball for Louisburg College next fall.

"I know Louisburg College is going to get one very talented student-athlete," Morris said.