By Ken Hansard
As her senior season approaches, Breck Slaughter is ready to lead the way for Pittsburg. The standout pitcher helped guide the Dragons to a 26-5 record last season, including a perfect 12-0 mark and a first-place finish in SEK league play. Pittsburg ultimately placed fourth at state after a loss in the second round.
As a senior, Slaughter fully embraces her role as both a competitor and a leader. “I see myself as a leader who motivates and supports my teammates,” she said. “I can push my teammates to do their best, while also staying positive and helping maintain a fun environment.”
After graduating several seniors, Pittsburg will rely on a mix of experience and emerging talent. “I’m looking forward to getting to play with a new group of girls. I think we have some really good underclassmen who are ready to step up.” She is also eager for strong matchups against Har-Ber (Arkansas), Spring Hill, and Fort Scott to help prepare for postseason play.
Last season, Breck recorded 132 strikeouts on the rubber and finished with a .471 batting average. She also fired a perfect game at regionals. She was named First-Team All-SEK as a pitcher and was awarded Second-Team All-State as a pitcher by both Sports in Kansas and by the Kansas Coaches Softball Association.
With a regional title defense in mind and hopes of finishing higher at state, Slaughter added, “One personal goal I have is to become stronger mentally. As a pitcher, I would like to increase my strikeout record. I’m just going to play each game like it’s my last.”After high school, Slaughter plans to continue her athletic and academic career at Johnson County Community College while majoring in business.
