Jack Hyde is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Arcadia for AZPreps365.com

Arcadia softball sophomore Sydney Kelley may be an underclassman, but she has played like an experienced veteran in her first two seasons with the Titans. 

The sophomore middle infielder led the team last season in five categories as a freshman, and she’s doing more of the same this year for the reigning Desert Sky Region champions.

Kelley last season batted a whopping .445 with 49 hits, 23 RBIs, 46 runs, 30 stolen bases, and an on-base percentage of .479 in 34 games played.

Arcadia, led by coach Jason Foster, went 28-6 last season as well as going an undefeated 10-0 in the region.

Kelley made personal accomplishments as she was awarded All-Region First Team, and Scottsdale Unified All-District Team honors. 

“Offensively, she really puts the pressure on the defense with her speed and slapping ability,” Foster said. “She is a tough out and has also been driving in some valuable runs this season.”

Foster said Arcadia relies heavily on Kelley’s offensive performance.

This season, Kelley leads the team in batting average at .545 and also OBP at .628.

She sits fourth in the Desert Sky Region in batting average.

To put this into perspective, the national average for batting average is .297, and the national average for OBP is .413.

This puts Kelley in an elite group of players in the country.

Kelley is also tied for team leader in runs with 17 and tied in stolen bases with five in 11 games played.

“This season, I would like to set an example on and off the field as a leader and mentor for my teammates or future Titans,” Kelley said. “I also would like to make the 4A First Team All- Conference and Scottsdale Unified School District All-District Team.”

Arcadia is now 8-4-1 after a loss 4-2 on the road against Eastmark on March 19.

Kelley said her goal for the team is to help lead Arcadia deep in the postseason and win a state title.

“Syd is a great kid and hard-nosed player,” assistant coach Jim Miller said. “This year, she was moved from her normal position at second base to shortstop and has been doing a great job.”

Kelley this season has a fielding percentage of .900 with four errors at shortstop.

Miller said Kelley has stepped up as a leader on and off the field. 

Arcadia this season is outscoring opponents 81-39, with Kelley being a major producer in the team's success.

Kelley has high potential to become one of the best players in the 4A Conference and even the state. The coaches and teammates speak highly of her.

“She is a pleasure to coach, and I wish we had half a dozen girls just like her,” Miller said.