Shepard senior selected to Irish national softball team

Shepard High School senior Abby Horton has known success on the softball field. An all-conference and all-area selection, Horton already has received an athletic scholarship to Illinois State University.

But now she enters another realm. Following her performance this summer playing with Triple Crown Sports, a club team based in Ireland, Horton received an invitation to play for the Irish national softball team.

“In order to be a part of this team she needed to try out and have ancestral lineage to Ireland. This team is made up of the best players born in the US that have been selected by coaches to represent and showcase their country,” said Shepard varsity softball head coach Kelsey Clifford.

Irish coaches took note of Horton’s outstanding play with Triple Crown at the International Games in Colorado.

“The Triple Crown experience led Abby to be contacted by the Irish Women’s National team based on coach recommendations and game footage. After meeting the staff, learning about the program and the requirements she was offered a spot on the 2022 Irish National team! We cannot wait to support her in this future experience. Abby continues to expand her softball experiences and skills. We are so proud of her,” Clifford said.