When introduced to 2006 Vicksburg Post Softball Player of the Year Sarah Kerut, Chris Etheridge said he already knew her – by reputation.

&#8220I’d like to have her on my team,” the Porters Chapel Academy coach said.

Every coach would.

The St. Aloysius junior starred in the infield, on the mound and at the plate in claiming the top Warren County softball honor.

Etheridge, who six months ago lost his left leg in a horrific car accident on his way to work in October, earned the top coaching honor. It is the first such honor for both.

&#8220It’s been a rough six months for the Porters Chapel family with the accident and me trying to come back,” Etheridge said. &#8220… It’s an honor even to be considered with the great coaches in this area and it is something I appreciate.”

Kerut, who also runs cross country and plays basketball, hit a gaudy .509 and struck out only once in 62 plate appearances.

On the mound, she went 7-0 with 68 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings pitched. The Lady Flashes went 15-6, barely missing the playoffs in the competitive Division 7-1A.

&#8220It was disappointing,” Kerut said of missing the playoffs. &#8220We worked really hard and came so close to making it. We had a great year.”

Kerut is no stranger to local athletics, having played almost every youth sport possible. She routinely won the Elks Hoop Shoot free throw contest while growing up and said she has been involved in sports from as early as she can remember.

&#8220My dad has always been a big influence for me. He’s always been there encouraging me,” said Kerut, the daughter of Dr. Tim and Becki Kerut. &#8220He’s the reason I am here today and I am thankful for that.”

Kerut will be back for her senior season at St. Al, which plays its fast-pitch season in the spring. For Etheridge, he’ll be back a lot earlier than that.

&#8220There have been some questions about things, but this solidifies that I will be back coaching at PCA,” he said.

Porters Chapel, which finished 26-12 last season, won the MPSA Academy-A North State championship and finished third overall in 1A, plays fast-pitch in the fall and begins practice in less than two months and Etheridge is chomping at the bit. He travels to PCA two or three times a week to work with the softball and basketball teams.

Etheridge has been fitted for a prosthetic for his left leg and he was expecting to start using a cane as part of his rehabilitation.

The accident, he said, has changed his perspective on things, but the fiery coach that roamed the basketball and softball sidelines will be back.

&#8220My goal is to be walking onto the field and the basketball court,” said Etheridge, joined by his wife, Heather, and 2-year-old son Ryan. &#8220I’m ready. It’s driving me crazy.”

Kerut is content to let her shooting touch in basketball, legs in cross country and phenomenal softball skills carry her through her senior season and into college.

&#8220I don’t have any idea yet about college,” Kerut said. &#8220I am looking at a few, but I don’t even know if I am going to play ball in college or not.”