Extra Effort: Rhyleigh Horne lives and plays like there's no tomorrow

Rhyleigh Horne's philosophy is simple and it comes from a pretty well known book.

"Ecclesiastes 9:10," Horne said. "It pretty much says whatever you find to do with your hands, do with all your might.  So that's kind of how I go every game, every pitch."

The Cape Fear Christian Academy senior softball pitcher practices what she preaches. She is a two time state champ and second in her class. 

"I'm really sad to graduate," Horne said. "The people that I'm graduating with they are all my closest friends."

She's played on the varsity team at Cape Fear Christian Academy since seventh grade. She's gone from the young up and comer to the team's leader.  Her work ethic and outlook is inspiring to everyone she meets. 

"If you're in the worst mood possible she'll say something to make you laugh," Cape Fear Christian Academy freshman catcher Kristina Kennedy said.  "She'll hype you up, she'll lead the team, she's just a good person to be around."

"She just pushes forward and works hard," Cape Fear Christian Academy softball coach Sterling Holmes said. "She tries to help the younger players when they come in, make sure they have all the tools they need."

"I'm so proud of her, I'm proud of everything she does," Rhyleigh's mom, Connie Horne said. "She's an amazing person even beyond the academics and the athletics, she's just a really good person."

Next year, Rhyleigh will play softball for Meredith College in Raleigh.

"I just hope they remember me as someone who always tried their best and had a good attitude," Rhyleigh said. "And that some of the younger people will follow in my foot steps."

Rhyleigh's accomplishments in athletics and academics earned her WRAL's Tom Suiter Extra Effort Award.

"You just grow up always hearing that you only live once," Rhyleigh said. "So if I'm only going to be here for a short period of time I want to make the most of it that I can."