2026 Softball Pitcher of the Year: Makenly Horrell
Now that the spring sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next week, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in boys golf, boys tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls track & field, girls soccer, softball, and baseball.
The Coastal Preps Softball Pitcher of the Year is senior Makenly Horrell from Laney.
Makenly’s Accomplishments
No area pitcher entered the season with higher expectations than Makenly Horrell, and the senior lived up to the hype by putting up terrific numbers.
The southpaw went 11-3 with a 1.24 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 79 1/3 innings. Opposing batters were held to a .191 average against her.
Horrell struck out a career-high 12 batters to lead Laney to a 7-5 victory over Dixon on March 3.
The regular season finale at North Brunswick was one of her best performances. She pitched a two-hitter with nine strikeouts and no walks in a 4-1 win.
Horrell will continue her career at UNC Pembroke.
Laney senior Makenly Horrell is the 2026 Coastal Preps Softball Pitcher of the Year. [Tim Hower/Coastal Preps]
More about Makenly
Favorite Restaurant(s): Okami
Favorite Movie(s): 10 Things I Hate About You
Favorite TV Show(s): One Tree Hill
Favorite Athlete(s): Michaela Edenfield
Favorite memory from this season: Getting to the third round of the playoffs.
Favorite memory from your career: Hitting a home run off Kina Davis.
Favorite thing about your school or team: I like how we all get along so well, like a family
Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: Whatever hairstyle I wear to a game we win, I wear that same hairstyle the next game.
What app on your phone do you use the most?: Either TikTok or Snapchat.
Where is one place you’ve never been that you’d like to visit?: Italy
Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Hot
Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theater?: At home
Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, what is your favorite treat?: Ice cream
If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would they be?: My mom, GG, and Kyland
What 3 items would you bring with you to a deserted island?: A phone, water, and food.
What is one hidden talent you have that most people don’t know about?: I can hit left-handed. Not good though.
What is your favorite milkshake flavor from Cook Out?: Vanilla
What is one thing you want people to know about you besides being a great athlete?: I’m naturally right-handed, but I pitch left-handed.
