Here is the Review-Journal’s Female Athlete of the Year
Rancho senior Sam Pochop (72) pitches to Palo Verde during a game in the Class 4A state softball tournament at Bishop Gorman High School on Thursday, May 18, 2017, in Las Vegas. Palo Verde won 3-2. Bridget Bennett Las Vegas Review-Journal @bridgetkbennett
Samantha Pochop, left, is presented with the Female Athlete of the Tear Award by football hall of famer Marcus Allen during the annual Best of Nevada Preps Awards at the Venetian hotel-casino on Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal
Rancho senior Sam Pochop pitches to Liberty during a Sunrise Region softball tournament game at Liberty High School on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, in Henderson. Bridget Bennett Las Vegas Review-Journal @bridgetkbennett
Rancho’s Sam Pochop (72) throws to first base for an out against Liberty at Foothill High School on Friday, May 12, 2017 in Henderson. Rancho won 3-1. Erik Verduzco Las Vegas Review-Journal @Erik_Verduzco
Rancho’s Sam Pochop (72) connects with the ball for a single against Liberty at Foothill High School on Friday, May 12, 2017 in Henderson. Rancho won 3-1. Erik Verduzco Las Vegas Review-Journal @Erik_Verduzco
Female Athlete of the Year
Sam Pochop, Rancho
At a time when elite athletes often concentrate on one sport, Rancho’s Sam Pochop proved to be an all-around athlete.
Pochop signed with Tulsa for softball, but she also excelled in volleyball and basketball for the Rams.
She averaged 9.5 rebounds in basketball and made the All-Northeast League first team. She also made All-Northeast League in volleyball, helping the Rams to the league title.
But it was on the softball diamond where Pochop was truly dominant.
She went 15-9 with a 1.24 ERA and 254 strikeouts in 175 2/3 innings in leading Rancho to a third consecutive appearance in the state tournament. She batted .355 with five home runs and 24 RBIs.
Quote
“All season she’s been a gamer, especially coming in as a senior with the (postseason) experience that she has. She knew the adjustments she had to make in the offseason with her offense, and it showed the entire year.”
— Rancho coach Amanda Zunno, after Pochop delivered a go-ahead, two-run double and pitched a complete game in a 3-1 victory over Sierra Vista in the state play-in game
