Woodland's Diana Wimpy is the player of the year in Region 7A-AAAA.

Wimpy, who switched to catching for her senior year, also led the Lady Wildcats softball team in almost every offensive category the past year and her .577 batting average ties her for seventh best in the state individual records.

She also has the fourth most career home runs -- at 19 -- in the state individual records.

Colman Roberts, Woodland head coach, said her stats are even more impressive considering the quality of play of her opponents.

"We're in a tough region," Roberts said. "That award is a big deal and she deserves it. Nobody compares with the stats she had this year. She hit 12 home runs, had 49 RBIs, and hit .577."

Wimpy's batting stats also included 13 doubles and five triples.

"I'm excited and happy to receive this," Wimpy said. "There are a lot of kids the coaches had to choose from, so this means a lot to me."

Roberts said when Wimpy was catching opponents had to change how they used their baserunners against Woodland, which finished the season with a 27-8 overall record.

"The number of steal attempts against her I could count on one hand," he said. "Baserunners had to change their game when she was behind the plate."

Wimpy could put the ball in the second baseman's glove in 1.8 seconds after receiving it from the pitcher, making steals a risky proposition.

Roberts said Wimpy isn't just a hitter or a catcher.

"She's a complete player," he said. "She's strong enough for what they need in college. She has a lot of power. She has a good, good arm."

The coach said her home run power is not something Woodland sees every year.

"We've never had anyone hit 12 home runs in a year since I've been here," he said.

Roberts said Wimpy was a quiet leader for her teammates several years and became a little more vocal this past year. He said she also set a good example by the way she played the game on a daily basis.

"She brings her talent with her every day -- just like all of our players," he said. "That's what makes a good team."

Wimpy said the award represents a lot of hard work she put into softball.

"I practiced a lot, especially this year," she said. "This (award) was one of my goals.

"I've been hearing all through high school I might have a chance to receive this honor, and I was overwhelmed and super excited to receive it."