The Newburgh Free Academy Goldbacks had two players named Section 9 Class AAA softball all-stars by sectional coaches this season after they made the Section 9 tournament for the first time since 2021.

Newburgh center fielder and second baseman Parker Mullarkey and sophomore shortstop and pitcher Samantha Williams were named Class AAA all-stars.

Williams spent most of the season at shortstop and filled in as the Goldbacks pitcher when regular pitcher Alina Ferguson needed a rest.

“Sam is someone who can pitch, play infield, leads off the game for us,” Newburgh coach Edwin Quezada said on May 3. “Just because she’s a sophomore doesn’t mean she’s not a leader for this team. She’s an absolute big-time player for us, and I’m so proud of her.”

Mullarkey spent most of the season in center field, anchoring the Goldbacks’ outfield defense. She also spent some time in the infield.
The Goldbacks will lose only two players – although their big ones – from this year’s team: Ferguson and third baseman Taryn Judson.

They only expect to have one senior next year – Melissa Schulze – with the rest of the team made up of sophomores, freshmen and eighth graders.

The Goldbacks will look to their all-stars and core returners to get them over that hump and finish their quest for a Section 9 Class AAA championship next year.