At just 9 years old, Hunter Harrison is already learning lessons that extend far beyond the softball field: the importance of hard work, commitment, time management and giving your best effort in everything you do.

Hunter has been dedicated to softball for most of her life, beginning with T-Ball at just 2 years old. Since then, the game has become a major part of her life, and she has continued to grow as a versatile player who is willing to take on whatever role her team needs.

This past season, Hunter had the opportunity to represent the Louisiana Bombers Elite 8U in the Louisiana All-State Tournament. The opportunity came after she was forced to miss the Arkansas All-State Tournament the previous week so she could support her older brother, Will, who was competing in the USSSA 13U All-American Games in Florida.

Hunter responded to the adversity by helping lead her team, Geaux Gems 8U, to a championship in the 8U Louisiana All-State Tournament division.

Advertisement

Her softball journey has continued to expand. Hunter recently began playing for former ULM Warhawks standouts Rochelle Roberts-Scioneaux and Harley Scioneaux with the Monroe Talons 10U. She also plays with the Louisiana Diamond Sluggers 9U, coached by Shelby Bonner and Greg Harrison, competing in tournaments throughout the South Arkansas and Louisiana region.

One of Hunter’s biggest strengths is her versatility. She has learned to effectively play any position her coaches ask of her, including catcher, pitcher and outfield.

More importantly, those around her say Hunter strives to be coachable, maintain a positive attitude, give her best effort and accept whatever role she is asked to play to help her team succeed.

Along the way, she has also had the opportunity to meet some of the players she looks up to. Hunter will always remember meeting Arkansas Razorbacks softball players Bri Ellis and Kailey Wyckoff last spring, as well as CJ Beatty this spring.

Advertisement

More Than Softball

While softball is a major part of Hunter’s life, it is far from her only commitment.

A fourth-grade student at West Side Christian School, Hunter stays busy participating in a variety of sports and activities. In addition to softball, she plays flag football and basketball, competes in dance with Lucy’s Ladies, participates on the West Side Jr. Cheer Squad and recently joined the West Side Christian Archery team.

Balancing all of those activities at such a young age has helped Hunter develop the time-management skills necessary to keep up with her responsibilities both in and out of school.

Hunter has also spent years looking up to her older sister, Maddie, 14, and older brother, Will, 13. She has supported both siblings throughout their successful athletic careers, including Maddie’s softball career with UC Softball and Will’s baseball career with the El Dorado Oilers and El Dorado Drillers.

Advertisement

With both of her older siblings now moving forward with their high school careers as West Side Warriors, Hunter hopes to continue improving every part of her own game while following the example they have set for her.

Despite her busy schedule and athletic ambitions, Hunter’s priorities remain centered on her faith and academics. She strives to continue growing as an athlete while keeping her faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her education at the forefront.

Following Her Mother’s Example

Hunter’s ability to balance a busy schedule is also influenced by her mother, Kelli Harrison, who has served as an example of what it means to maintain a strong work-life balance while staying involved in the community.

For the past eight years, Kelli has owned and operated The Olde Towne Store. She has also served as a substitute teacher for West Side Christian School, was one of the original five employees of the Murphy Arts District and has volunteered in numerous roles with the City of El Dorado and the El Dorado/Union County Chamber of Commerce.

Advertisement

Hunter’s story is ultimately about more than wins, tournaments and statistics. It is about a young athlete learning how to work hard, manage her time, support her family, remain coachable and continue growing both on and off the field.

Help Hunter Reach the Top 15

Hunter is currently ranked 14th among the Top 20 in the 3Brand Youth Athlete of the Year competition, sponsored by CBS and Sports Illustrated.

The field will be narrowed from the Top 20 to the Top 15 at midnight on September 4, making the next few days especially important for Hunter and her supporters.

Those who would like to support Hunter Harrison in her goal of becoming the 3Brand Youth Athlete of the Year are encouraged to cast their vote and help her remain among the Top 15.

Advertisement

For Hunter, it is another opportunity to put the same lessons she has learned on the softball field into action: work hard, stay positive, support your team and never stop giving your best.

Vote for Hunter here: https://athleteoftheyear.org/2026/hunter-30ba

Strong field includes the top five players in the Race for the Card; registration open for free Junior Golf Clinic

EL DORADO, Ark. (September 2, 2026) – The brightest rising stars in women’s professional golf will return to South Arkansas this month as the 11th annual Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout takes over Mystic Creek Golf Club Sept. 14-20, bringing a week of professional golf and opportunities for the community to get involved.

The three-day Epson Tour competition will be played Sept. 18-20, with 102 golfers expected to compete for a $300,000 purse and valuable points in the Race for the Card. The Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout is the only Epson Tour stop in the four-state region of Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

This year’s preliminary field includes the current top five players in the Race for the Card: Lauren Olivares, Kaleiya Romero, Mirabel Ting, Annabelle Pancake-Webb and Liqi Zeng.

Advertisement

Several enter El Dorado with victories already under their belts this season. Olivares captured the Great Lakes Championship at the Highlands, Romero won the Island Resort Championship and Ting claimed the Smoky Mountain Championship.

Zeng will be one to watch closely when she returns to Mystic Creek. She finished tied for second at last year’s Shootout, one stroke behind champion Erica Shepherd, alongside Rachel Kuehn and Kaleigh Telfer. Zeng, Kuehn and Telfer are all currently entered in the 2026 field. Becca Huffer, who tied for fifth last year, and Elina Sinz, who tied for seventh, are also set to return.

“This is what makes the El Dorado Shootout so special for our community. Fans have the opportunity to see some of the best young golfers in the world at an important point in their journey to the LPGA Tour,” said Tournament Co-Director Traci Dutchover. “With so many of the top players in the Race for the Card coming to Mystic Creek this year, we expect an outstanding week of golf.”

The field will also feature several players with strong Arkansas connections. Former University of Arkansas standouts Maria Fassi, Julia Gregg and Kajal Mistry are among the players entered. Fassi’s decorated Razorback career included the 2019 NCAA individual national championship, while Gregg and Mistry both spent multiple seasons competing for Arkansas.

Advertisement

Young Golfers Invited to Kick Off Tournament Week

Before tournament competition begins, young golfers will have their own opportunity to get on the course and learn alongside the professionals.

The annual Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout Junior Golf Clinic will take place Monday, Sept. 14, from 4:15-6 p.m. at Mystic Creek Golf Club. The free clinic is open to children ages 6-18, with no previous golf experience required.

Sponsored by United Consulting, the clinic gives participants an opportunity to learn directly from Epson Tour players and PGA teaching professionals through hands-on instruction focused on different parts of the game.

Advertisement

Children do not need to own golf equipment to participate. Clubs will be provided courtesy of KidsNGolf.

“The Junior Golf Clinic is a great way to start tournament week and introduce the next generation to the game,” Dutchover said. “Whether a child already loves golf or is picking up a club for the first time, we want them to have an opportunity to learn, have fun and spend time with the professionals they’ll see competing later in the week.”

Following the clinic, participants will receive goodie bags, a sweet treat and a golf ball they can have signed by an Epson Tour player. Participants will also have the opportunity to win a year’s worth of free golf lessons through KidsNGolf.

Space for the Junior Golf Clinic is limited, and families are encouraged to register in advance at eldoradoshootout.com/schedule/junior-clinic.

Advertisement

A Week of Golf and Giving Back

Tournament week continues with Epson Tour practice rounds Monday and Tuesday, followed by Pro-Am competition Wednesday and Thursday. Round One tees off Friday, Sept. 18, with the final round and closing ceremony taking place Sunday, Sept. 20.

Beyond the competition, the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout continues its longstanding commitment to the El Dorado community. The tournament has now surpassed $295,000 in charitable donations, and its 2026 beneficiaries are the #teamcorrie Cancer Foundation, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Each organization will receive a donation during the closing ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Admission to the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout is free, giving fans an opportunity to experience professional golf up close at one of Arkansas’s premier courses.

Advertisement

For more information about the tournament, visit eldoradoshootout.com or follow the tournament on social media at @road2eldo.

At just 11 years old, Avery Speer is already learning the value of hard work, dedication, and believing in herself.

Avery, a student at Washington Middle School, stays busy throughout the year participating in a variety of sports and activities. She plays softball and volleyball, recently added archery to her list of activities, and also trains in ballet, pointe, jazz and gymnastics at Dance Connection.

While her schedule may sound like a lot for an 11-year-old, Avery has learned how to balance her many commitments while continuing to excel in the classroom. She maintains A’s, along with the occasional B, and takes all advanced classes at Washington Middle School.

Her mother, Jessica Rockett, says Avery’s involvement in so many different activities has helped her develop strong leadership, organization, and time-management skills. More importantly, those experiences have taught Avery to believe that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.

Advertisement

Those qualities are part of what led her mother to nominate Avery for Youth Athlete of the Year. This competition recognizes young athletes not only for their abilities, but also for the character they demonstrate both on and off the field.

Avery has already advanced to the Top 20 in her group.

Her mother is quick to point out that Avery isn’t necessarily the most naturally athletic player on the field, and that’s not what makes her stand out.

“She isn’t the most athletic player on the field, nor is she ‘better’ than anyone,” her mother said. “However, she is a great player and a great teammate.”

Advertisement

One of Avery’s greatest strengths is the way she encourages the people around her. She looks for opportunities to build her teammates’ confidence and celebrate their successes.

Although she can be hard on herself, Avery doesn’t allow mistakes or setbacks to take away from her love of the game. Instead, she uses them as opportunities to learn, improve, and become better.

That mindset is at the heart of the Youth Athlete of the Year program, which is partnered with the Why Not You Foundation, founded by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson in 2014. The foundation’s mission is to change the world, one kid at a time, by empowering young people to believe in themselves and their potential.

Avery’s journey reflects that “Why NOT You?” attitude, encouraging young people to dream big, work hard, and believe they can accomplish their goals.

Advertisement

Supporters can vote for Avery for free as she continues her run in the Youth Athlete of the Year competition. Donations are also available, with proceeds supporting both Avery’s campaign and the Why Not You Foundation’s efforts to empower children around the world.

For Avery, the competition is about more than winning. It’s an opportunity to represent South Arkansas, encourage other young athletes, and continue proving that with the right attitude and determination, anything is possible.

Why not Avery? Why not you?

Vote for Avery Here: https://athleteoftheyear.org/2026/avery-9c3f

Advertisement

EL DORADO, Ark. — Area residents looking for plans on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, will have no shortage of options. From multi-day art exhibitions and community markets to a full lineup of school athletic competitions and evening nightlife, the local schedule is stacked with activities across the region.

Here is a comprehensive guide to what is happening throughout the day:

All-Day & Ongoing Exhibitions

• Strong Trade Days

  • Time: Starts at 8:00 AM (Runs Sept. 3 – Sept. 5)

  • Location: Annteekeys, 9590 Strong Hwy, Strong, AR

  • Details: Community market featuring local vendors, goods, and antiques.

• 1968: A Folsom Redemption — Johnny Cash Exhibition

  • Time: Open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Location: Gallery of History Museum, 415 E. Faulkner St., El Dorado, AR

  • Details: A featured historical photography and artifact exhibit documenting Johnny Cash’s historic prison concert.

• SAAC Gallery Exhibitions

  • Time: Open during regular gallery hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

  • Location: South Arkansas Arts Center, El Dorado, AR

  • Featured Shows:

    • “Convergence” by El Dorado artist Gregory Shyne (Lobby Gallery)

    • “Out of the Fire: The Art of Raku and Pit Firing” by Little Rock potter Luke Kramer (Price Gallery)

    • “Under the Sky” by Jonesboro artist Lydia Dildilian

Afternoon & High School Athletics

A massive afternoon of local high school and junior high sports competition is slated across tennis, volleyball, and football:

Tennis

• El Dorado Boys Varsity Tennis at Magnolia — 3:30 PM (at Magnolia)

• Parkers Chapel High School Tennis: Hampton vs. Home Team — 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Volleyball

• El Dorado Girls Varsity Volleyball at Benton — 4:30 PM

• El Dorado Girls 7th Grade Volleyball at A.E. Phillips — 5:00 PM

• El Dorado Girls 8th Grade Volleyball at A.E. Phillips — 5:00 PM

Football

• El Dorado Boys 7th Grade Football vs. Texarkana — 5:00 PM (at El Dorado)

• El Dorado Boys 8th Grade Football vs. Texarkana — 5:30 PM (at El Dorado)

• El Dorado Boys Freshman Football vs. Texarkana — 7:00 PM (at El Dorado)

• Parkers Chapel Junior High Football: Genoa vs. Parkers Chapel — 7:00 PM

• Junction City Junior High Football vs Smackover Junior High Football: @ Junction City — 7:00 PM

Evening Entertainment & Nightlife

• Thursday Trivia at DP’s Food Truck Park

  • Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Location: DP’s Food Truck Park, El Dorado, AR

  • Details: Live team trivia alongside local food truck options.

• Cliff & Susan Live at MAD House 101

  • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Location: MAD House 101 Restaurant & Bar, 101 E. Locust St., El Dorado, AR

  • Details: Live musical performance by duo Cliff & Susan in the Murphy Arts District.

• Karaoke Night at Icon Lounge

  • Time: 8:00 PM – Midnight

  • Location: Icon Lounge, 104 E. Cedar St., El Dorado, AR

• Open Mic Night at The Mink Eye

  • Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM

  • Location: The Mink Eye, 117 S. Main St., El Dorado, AR

  • Details: Open stage for local musicians, poets, and performers.

Advertisement