Generational talent: Heath's Cunningham remains ahead of her time

HEATH — Heath softball coach Ray Cooksey says that when the ball comes off Renae Cunningham's bat, it makes a different sound.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs' opponents, it's a noise they heard far too often this spring.

It was an ongoing discussion: will they pitch to her, or will they intentionally walk her? They couldn't all the time, and Heath's multi-talented junior put together a season for the ages in leading the Bulldogs to a 23-6 record and their first state tournament in 31 years.

Cunningham batted a hefty .592, with 19 home runs, 42 RBI, an amazing 1.487 slugging percentage, a .708 on-base percentage and struck out just three times in 106 plate appearances. She also dominated in the circle, striking out 124 in 107 innings with just 19 walks and a .925 WHIP, earning the Division II first-team All-Ohioan Advocate Player of the Year.

"She's a generational type player, someone you see like once every 30 or 40 years," coach Ray Cooksey said. "She's a next-level player, playing in high school. She sees the ball really well and she's so strong; she has a fitness coach. In the first year we had her (as a sophomore), she tried to pull everything, but we told her she needed to start hitting the ball the other way, and she starting hitting home runs to right-center field."

"I've always tried to go with the ball where it's pitched, but yes, going opposite field was one of my improvements," Cunningham said. "I don't focus on my numbers during the season. My fitness helps me not get injured and helps my body stay tuned. I want to get stronger."

She and classmate Sydney Chapman again formed a deadly one-two punch in the circle and opponents will have to face them again for one more season. They alternated as starters and closers, with Chapman providing the movement and Cunningham more of the power on her pitches. She's honing that repertoire as well.

"Towards the end of the season, I think I was getting better movement," Cunningham said. "Not trying to strike everyone out, and making them put the ball in play. It's something I'm going to continue to work on."

"I think her pitching can be even more dominant next year, and we may use her a little more in a different capacity," Cooksey acknowledged.

Cunningham has already committed to Northwestern University and its impressive softball and academic program. The Wildcats went 45-13 this season, including 19-4 atop the Big Ten, and went all the way to the College World Series. She'll major in either kinesiology or physical therapy, which would fall right in line with her fitness dedication.

"I really liked the coaches, and the campus felt like home," she said. "It will be really exciting, going into my long-term career."

Of course, she has plenty of unfinished business left with Heath, which looks to take the next step after reaching the regional finals and state semifinals the last two seasons. The Bulldogs graduated only two seniors, albeit stellar ones in twins Katlyn and Makayla Jardine.

"I always enjoy meeting the new freshmen, like we did this year," Cunningham said. "I think we can take it to the (state) finals, but we have to put in even more work than we did this year."

Cooksey can always count on Cunningham doing in the extra work.

"She leads by example," he said. "She works hard, on and off the field, and the other kids see that. And she has a good cast of characters around her."

It will be interesting to see how teams approach Cunningham after such a resounding season. Her regional final performance in the 12-5 win against John Glenn, when she drilled two home runs including a grand slam with six RBI, will resonate for some time.

"I just take it how it comes," she said. "I get frustrated sometimes, but there's nothing you can do."

"They're not going to pitch to her next year, at least, most of the LCL teams won't," Cooksey predicted. "I may lead her off, but we'll have to see. Believe it or not, I think she can put up even better numbers."

dweidig@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Generational talent: Heath's Cunningham remains ahead of her time