When you win state titles in Blanding, the whole town stops and takes notice. Kelsi Meyer said one of the fondest memories of her athletic career is the fire engines leading the team back to town after winning the softball championship.

Coach Craig Swenson said every time the Broncos needed a big hit or a defensive play in the field, Meyer answered the call. For her efforts, Kelsi Meyer is The Tribune's 2011 2A softball MVP.

"We just came together at the right time," said Meyer. "It was a total team effort, and we couldn't have done it without each other."

Meyer contributed mightily this season, clubbing seven homers and 10 doubles from her cleanup position. Although she came to play every day, her biggest contribution may have come as a team leader.

"Her work ethic of just getting better every day in practice is her biggest asset," said Swenson. "She started all four years for me, and this year her desire just kind of dragged the other girls along."

Meyer's graduation from San Juan in late May marked the end of an era, as she is the last of four sisters who filtered through the Bronco program. With all three sisters in attendance, Meyer capped a great senior season with a championship.

In 2008, San Juan captured a 2A softball title, with then-freshman Meyer playing an integral role. After her sophomore and junior seasons ended in defeat, Meyer hoisted a young San Juan squad, with just two seniors, on her back, leading the Broncos to a 23-6 record during the regular season.

Meyer then led the Broncos through the 2A tournament. The Broncos ran roughshod through the field, outscoring their opponents 40-5 in state tournament play.

With Meyer's graduation, Region 15 has to be breathing just a little easier.

"My sisters taught me to try my hardest in practice and every game, and of course enjoy the moment and try to have a little fun," Meyer said. —

The teams

All-State softball teams (pdf) • http://bit.ly/l8WEX6

All-State softball MVPs (pdf) • http://bit.ly/lRAmQJ

Class 2A first team

Catcher • Ashlie Dearden, Sr., Millard

First base • Shaylee Farnsworth, Sr., Enterprise

Second base • Amanda Sheets, So., Grand

Third base • L'Sha Eldrege, So., San Juan

Shortstop • Rickie Warr, Sr., Parowan

Utility • Megan Chisholm, Jr., S. Sevier

Outfielder • Kaycee Barton, Sr., Parowan

Outfielder • Brittan Labrum, Jr., Parowan

Outfielder • Camille Blad, Sr., Millard

Outfielder • Paige Peterson, Sr. S. Summit

Pitcher • Shelby Dalton, Sr., Grand

Pitcher • Abby Bayles, Sr., San Juan

Pitcher • Kelsi Lee, Sr., Enterprise

Pitcher • Shelby Sheriff, Jr., Millard

Class 2A second team

Catcher • Caprise Christensen, Sr., Enterprise

First base • McKinsey Smith, So., Parowan

Second base • Brooke Lyman, So., San Juan

Third base • Riley Hutchings, Sr., Enterprise

Shortstop • Marissa Eng, Fr., Rowland Hall

Utility • Kelcie Marshall, Jr., Beaver

Outfielder • Taylor Phelps, So., Enterprise

Outfielder • Abby Peterson, So., S. Summit

Outfielder • Kelsey Barney, Jr., N. Sevier

Pitcher • McKayla Bess, Sr., Beaver

Pitcher • Shannon Argyle, Jr., S. Summit

Pitcher • Makayla Hansen, Jr., S. Sevier

Pitcher • McKayla Harrison, Jr., Altamont