27130562
Coaches would tell Kim Paynter she couldn’t pitch. Well, to those who doubted the High School for Creative and Performing Arts senior, the pitcher – yes, that’s right, pitcher – is proving them all wrong.
In the May 14 Public League quarterfinal game against Girard Academic Music Program, Paynter tossed a no hitter – and struck out eight – in the 14-0 victory.
After picking up the five-inning win as a result of the 10-run mercy rule, Paynter, of Northeast Philadelphia, couldn’t help but share her excitement.
"I had coaches tell me that I would never be that good," she said. "Now I am and that’s why I love it."
Paynter, who has a concentration in creative writing, credits coach John Hecker for having confidence in her abilities.
"Mr. Hecker is a great guy and he is always pushing us to do our best," Paynter said. "He is behind us all the way."
CAPA, in just its second season of varsity competition, qualified for the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association AAA tournament and advanced to this afternoon’s Public League semifinal game at La Salle University. The team will play Northeast High at 3 p.m.
"We are very excited," Paynter, who also made the playoffs with CAPA’s girls’ volleyball team, said. "We’ve worked very hard this year and I think we deserve it."
The downside is this means the end of the Public League season for the GAMP Pioneers. Being a young team with an inexperienced pitcher on the mound often makes the difference. With GAMP being a music school and the majority of the CAPA softball players being instrumental majors, Paynter said her team jokingly referred to the game as "the music school brawl."
The CAPA teammates were so excited about the win, after the game, they ran to the outfield in jubilation and to thank the stranger from D&D; Construction for getting the Chew Playground field, 18th Street and Washington Avenue, in playable condition.
Paynter, who has competed in national softball tournaments as a member of the Ewing Edge, is ready to show Northeast the Pegasus are prepared to fight for the Public League championship.
"I am excited," Paynter, who will continue playing softball for Chestnut Hill College, said. "It’s not who you play, it’s how you play."
