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Jun. 12—The term "video game numbers" gets thrown around a lot in sports, but in the case of Austin's Arden Breedlove, it definitely applies.
The 2026 Decatur Daily Class 5A-7A softball player of the year had an outstanding season for the Black Bears, batting .589 with 98 RBIs, 89 runs scored and 27 home runs, while stealing 32 bases. She now holds Austin's school records for most home runs (68), RBIs (279), runs scored (275) and walks (166).
Good luck reaching those numbers on a PlayStation.
"You don't really think you're ever going to put up those kinds of numbers, so it's pretty crazy to think about the fact my name is in the Austin history books," Breedlove said. "My goal was always to be better than I was the year before, and I'm just thankful to the Lord that he allowed me to have so much success."
It's not Breedlove's first brush with postseason honors. As a junior last year, she also received The Daily's player of the year honors after batting .536 with 82 RBIs and 24 home runs.
Coming into this season, Breedlove said she wanted to continue to improve, but topping her junior numbers was easier said than done. Accomplishing that feat was something Austin head coach Blake Gray said was mesmerizing to watch.
"She's started every game since her eighth grade year, and every year her numbers would just shoot up even more," Gray said. "Last year she had a breakout season where she set the school record for most home runs and RBIs in a season, and then this year, somehow, she got even better and broke her own records.
"The most impressive thing, though, was she was intentionally walked about 60 times. Most teams would only give her one, maybe two good at-bats a game, but she always capitalized. At the state tournament this year, she had 15 plate appearances and was walked 10 times. She went four-for-five in the other five appearances."
While her numbers were impressive, Breedlove's impact went beyond the record book.
Last season, Austin advanced to its first state softball tournament in 12 years. This year, however, the Black Bears had a young lineup, including four middle-school starters by the end of the season. In order to reach its second consecutive state tournament this year, Austin needed more than just crazy stats from its star player.
"I don't know if we're sitting at the state tournament at the end of the year if it wasn't for her. She got a taste of it last year, and it spread like wildfire," Gray said. "A lot of our young players looked up to her. They bought into her, and she poured into them. I give her a lot of credit for helping to shape our young talent."
As Breedlove prepares to depart Austin, she not only does so as arguably the greatest softball player the school has ever had, but also as an integral piece in building what is becoming one of the top softball programs in north Alabama.
"Stats are great, but people are going to forget those. What people will remember is what kind of player you were. Did you do things the right way and were you a great teammate?" Breedlove said. "I hope people never forget how I treated them and how much helping this program succeed meant to me."
— [email protected] or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2
Continue reading...
The 2026 Decatur Daily Class 5A-7A softball player of the year had an outstanding season for the Black Bears, batting .589 with 98 RBIs, 89 runs scored and 27 home runs, while stealing 32 bases. She now holds Austin's school records for most home runs (68), RBIs (279), runs scored (275) and walks (166).
Good luck reaching those numbers on a PlayStation.
"You don't really think you're ever going to put up those kinds of numbers, so it's pretty crazy to think about the fact my name is in the Austin history books," Breedlove said. "My goal was always to be better than I was the year before, and I'm just thankful to the Lord that he allowed me to have so much success."
It's not Breedlove's first brush with postseason honors. As a junior last year, she also received The Daily's player of the year honors after batting .536 with 82 RBIs and 24 home runs.
Coming into this season, Breedlove said she wanted to continue to improve, but topping her junior numbers was easier said than done. Accomplishing that feat was something Austin head coach Blake Gray said was mesmerizing to watch.
"She's started every game since her eighth grade year, and every year her numbers would just shoot up even more," Gray said. "Last year she had a breakout season where she set the school record for most home runs and RBIs in a season, and then this year, somehow, she got even better and broke her own records.
"The most impressive thing, though, was she was intentionally walked about 60 times. Most teams would only give her one, maybe two good at-bats a game, but she always capitalized. At the state tournament this year, she had 15 plate appearances and was walked 10 times. She went four-for-five in the other five appearances."
While her numbers were impressive, Breedlove's impact went beyond the record book.
Last season, Austin advanced to its first state softball tournament in 12 years. This year, however, the Black Bears had a young lineup, including four middle-school starters by the end of the season. In order to reach its second consecutive state tournament this year, Austin needed more than just crazy stats from its star player.
"I don't know if we're sitting at the state tournament at the end of the year if it wasn't for her. She got a taste of it last year, and it spread like wildfire," Gray said. "A lot of our young players looked up to her. They bought into her, and she poured into them. I give her a lot of credit for helping to shape our young talent."
As Breedlove prepares to depart Austin, she not only does so as arguably the greatest softball player the school has ever had, but also as an integral piece in building what is becoming one of the top softball programs in north Alabama.
"Stats are great, but people are going to forget those. What people will remember is what kind of player you were. Did you do things the right way and were you a great teammate?" Breedlove said. "I hope people never forget how I treated them and how much helping this program succeed meant to me."
— [email protected] or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2
Continue reading...
