Athletes Of The Week: Ivy Cashwell

Ivy Cashwell has been playing softball for most of her life.

She had many family members play softball, and Cashwell knew she wanted to play softball in high school.

When she got to North Duplin, Cashwell was immediately blown away by the welcoming and supportive nature of everyone on the team.

“Softball has always been a part of my life, and it’s really important to me,” Cashwell said.

Fast-forward four years, and Cashwell is now a senior and doing her best to welcome underclassmen to the sisterhood of softball.

Cashwell knows what it’s like to be nervous and unsure of what the future holds, but all of those ups and downs have been worth it for the ultimate glory and incredible friendships.

Her goal is to bring out the best version of the younger players while also achieving her own goals along the way.

“The girls on the team get along together so well. There’s never any hostility. We’re always nice,” Cashwell said. “We all support each other, and I think that’s a big deal.”

As a person, Cashwell has always been warm and unselfish, but she has blossomed into a more confident and outgoing leader over the years.

That is only half the equation, though. The other half is that Cashwell is a dedicated and softball player.

As a freshman, she posted a .364 batting average to go along with six RBIs. The Rebels went 18-4 and reached the second round of the NCHSAA 1A playoffs. During her sophomore season, the Rebels once again reached the second round of the playoffs.

Her junior season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cashwell said it was hard losing a year of her favorite sport.

However, the lost season only made Cashwell stronger and helped her appreciate all that she already has and everything she and her teammates have achieved this season.

“Life is not always going to be easy, so it’s good to be able to work through things and get through it when it’s hard,” Cashwell said.

Finally, back on the field for her senior season, Cashwell and her teammates were undefeated during the regular season, won the Carolina 1A Conference title, and reached the second round of the NCHSAA 1A playoffs.

“I think it’s every senior’s dream to go to the state championship undefeated,” Cashwell said. “After having something like COVID happen, it’s great.”

Outside of sports, Cashwell is part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, HOSA Club, Beta Club. She sells strawberries and has other jobs. After high school, Cashwell plans to attend Wayne Community College and obtain her nursing degree and become a mental health practitioner one day.

“It’s been hard, but it’s been worth it. It’s always worth it,” Cashwell said.