Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Courtney Norwood, a standout pitcher from South Warren, has announced her commitment to the University of Kentucky softball program. Following a visit to Lexington and a meeting with head coach Rachel Lawson, Norwood expressed her long-held dream of joining the Wildcats. With an impressive record of 18-3 and a 0.93 ERA last season, she has been instrumental in her team’s success at South Warren. As she transitions to collegiate softball, Norwood looks forward to continuing her journey while South Warren aims for another championship season.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Courtney Norwood, a rising junior pitcher from South Warren, has committed to the University of Kentucky softball program. Norwood made her announcement on Sunday via social media, following a visit to Lexington where she met with head coach Rachel Lawson and the coaching staff. Kentucky has been Norwood’s dream school for a long time, and she expressed her excitement upon receiving a text from the university on September 1, indicating their interest in her talent.
Norwood appreciates Kentucky’s strong team chemistry and pitching staff structure, which she believes aligns well with her experience gained during her time in travel ball. Throughout her four years at South Warren, she has been a pivotal part of the pitching rotation, often alongside teammate Layla Ogden. Last season, Norwood boasted an impressive 18-3 record, with a 0.93 ERA and 160 strikeouts across 97â…“ innings pitched. She has already made significant contributions during the state tournament at John Cropp Stadium, having competed in all three South Warren state tournament appearances since 2022.
Having committed to Kentucky, Norwood is slated to bring her pitching prowess to the collegiate level. She is now the sixth South Warren softball player to commit to a Division I program and the first from the class of 2027. Other recent commitments from South Warren include Kinleigh Russell (Oklahoma State), Layla Ogden (Western Kentucky), Hadley Borders (University of Missouri), Parker Willoughby (Ohio State), and McLaine Hudson (Kentucky). Immediately after her commitment, Norwood reached out to Hudson, who will soon be her teammate at Kentucky.
With her college decision now behind her, Norwood is focused on her current travel ball commitments and the upcoming South Warren seasons. She noted that making this decision has relieved a weight off her shoulders, allowing her to concentrate fully on her game.
As of now, South Warren, led by Kentucky commit McLaine Hudson, is ranked No. 1 in the state and is pursuing their third consecutive 4th Region title along with their first-ever state championship. The Spartans have compiled a strong record of 19-2 this season and have recently secured mercy-rule victories against No. 5 Scott County and Great Crossing.
Hudson has set a state record for hits in a season with 93 last year and is on track to break the career hits record. The team not only excels in individual performances but also ranks top in various offensive statistics, including an average of 11.47 runs per game and a batting average of .431. Their only losses this season have come against Assumption and Greenwood.
South Warren has a rich history of success in the region, having reached the 4th Region finals multiple times since 2015 and making several state tournament appearances, including semifinals in both 2022 and 2024. Assistant coach Craig Sparks has stressed the competitiveness of their region, indicating that the team must focus on one game at a time. The players credit their hard work and collective growth for their chemistry and success on the field.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Norwood’s 2023 Record | 18-3 |
| Norwood’s ERA | 0.93 |
| Strikeouts | 160 |
| Innings Pitched | 97â…“ |
| South Warren Record | 19-2 |
| Runs per Game | 11.47 |
| Batting Average | .431 |
| State Record Hits by Hudson | 93 |
FAQ
Who is Courtney Norwood?
Courtney Norwood is a rising junior pitcher from South Warren who has committed to the University of Kentucky softball program.
What were Courtney Norwood’s achievements last season?
Last season, Norwood achieved an 18-3 record, a 0.93 ERA, and 160 strikeouts in 97â…“ innings pitched.
What is South Warren’s current season record?
South Warren currently has a record of 19-2 this season and is ranked No. 1 in the state.
How has the South Warren team performed historically?
South Warren has a history of reaching the 4th Region finals since 2015 and has made state tournament appearances multiple times, including semifinals in 2022 and 2024.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: McLaine Hudson Named 2025 Kentucky Softball Gatorade Player of the Year
- Kentucky.com: South Warren High School Softball News
- WHOP AM: South Warren Tops Max Preps Kentucky Softball Poll
- Beech Tree News: South Warren vs. Daviess County Heavyweight Showdown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Softball
- Google Search: South Warren High School Softball
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
