Warlassies pitcher signs with Cleveland Community College

Sophie Neal celebrates career milestone ahead of senior season

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
February 13, 2025

Owen senior Sophie Neal, surrounded by family and coaches, Feb. 11, signs to continue her softball career at Cleveland Community College. Photo by Fred McCormick

It is by no accident the high school softball career of Sophie Neal has been remarkably consistent. In three seasons with the Warlassies, the senior has been a central piece in the resurgence of the program, which captured its first Western Highlands Conference title in over a decade a season ago.

Weeks before she throws her first pitch as an Owen senior, the team leader known for her wisdom celebrated her latest milestone, signing a letter of intent to continue her playing career at Cleveland Community College.

Neal burst into the starting lineup of the Warlassies as a freshman in 2022, when she was among the team’s top hitters with a .300 batting average and 11 RBI. While she increased her offensive production as a sophomore, she posted her best campaign last spring, hitting .397 with 27 runs and 7 RBI while posting a 15-1 record with 137 strikeouts in the pitcher’s circle and helping lead Owen to a 20-3 mark and an appearance in the third round of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs.

Her ability to produce at a high level on the field is a result of a balance between physical skills and a carefully crafted mental approach, according to fifth year Owen softball head coach Pete Ledford.

“Her desire to win and the way she has grown into a leader on this team is remarkable,” he said. “She has even taught me to ease up and try to enjoy the game that we all love, That's made me take a step back, sometimes, and look at the ways I approach things as a coach.”

Neal, who began playing the sport at the age of 4, has developed her unique perspective in a career that has included time in local youth leagues and with the Carolina Heat travel softball team.

“I push myself to have a high drive for the sport and to be better, not just for me, but for the team. I set goals for myself each game, and try to focus on hitting those goals,” she said. “At the same time, a big part of the game is just having fun. I think it’s easy to let things get too intense and your emotions take over, but I try to keep a level head.”

That balance has allowed Neal to become a “true leader” on the field, according to Ledford.

“She’s vocal when she needs to be and she has no problem pulling someone aside and talking to them,” he said. “But, because of her maturity level and strong relationships with her teammates, she does it in a way that’s always productive.”

Sophie Neal, who signed, Feb. 11, with Cleveland Community College, enters the 2025 Owen softball season with 197 career strikeouts. Photo by Fred McCormick

CCC, which finished the 2024 season 24-16 with a 17-10 mark in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 10, is eager to welcome Neal to the roster, according to head coach Ronald Beaver.

“We know we’re getting a special player and we look forward to winning some games and hopefully breaking a few records,” he said to the dozens of family members, teammates and supporters who gathered in the Owen media center for the signing ceremony.

“I just want to say that this wouldn’t have been possible without any of you,” Neal said to the crowd, before turning her attention to Ledford and assistant coach father and daughter duo, Joe and Ashley Valencia. “I want you all to know that I wouldn’t have wanted things any other way.”

Neal expressed gratitude to the Yetis for giving her the opportunity to pursue the sport beyond high school.

Sophie Neal, center, is joined by her Warlassies teammates, Feb. 11, as the Owen senior signs to continue her softball career at Cleveland Community College. Photo by Fred McCormick

“That part didn’t really feel real until today,” she said. “I’m really thankful to the CCC coaching staff for giving me the chance to keep growing as a player.”

Neal enters the 2025 season with 197 career strikeouts, as the Warlassies look to improve upon a conference championship campaign in which they won 16 straight games. Finalizing her post-graduation plans allows her to “stay loose” heading into the season, which begins at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28, when Owen hosts North Buncombe.

“I just want to keep pushing myself to be the best I can be and I know my teammates feel the same way,” Neal said. “I know we’re all excited to start the season and I’ll be happy to be back out there with them trying to win games.”