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By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

Former Callaway High softball standout Jasmine Dukes didn’t get a chance to show what she can do on the softball field this spring.

Dukes is a freshman on the Claflin University (S.C.) softball team, and she didn’t get any at-bats during a season that was cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dukes has, though, already proven she has what it takes to succeed in the classroom.

Dukes has been selected as a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American Scholar-Athlete, an award that goes to softball players who post a 3.5 grade point average or better for a school year.

“I’m very proud of her,” said Callaway High softball coach Robyn McCann. “I taught her in elementary school, so she had my heart early on.”

Dukes enjoyed an exceptional high-school career as a four-year starter, and as a senior she helped Callaway win the first state-playoff series in the history of the program.

“It’s been amazing to watch her grow up, watch her become an amazing young lady, not only on the field, but in the classroom, and in the community,” McCann said.

Dukes signed her letter of intent during a ceremony last spring, and among those in attendance were her parents who both graduated from Clafin.

“Both of my parents went there, so I decided to give it a look,” Dukes said. “We went up there for a visit, and it was very nice. The classes aren’t too big. It’s very family-like up there, so that kind of caught my attention. It’s not too many people, so I won’t get lost in the crowd. They care about all of their students.”

Claflin finished the shortened 2020 season with a 9-11 record, and it was 2-0 in conference play.