Evans starters sign letters of intent
Evans High School's best offensive and defensive softball starters signed letters of intent to different junior colleges May 12.
Evans High School softball player Sheena Blackwell is
surrounded by her family as she signs a scholarship to play for Aiken Tech.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Marquita Grimes, 18, agreed to play for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga., and Ashley Brodhecker, 17, signed on to be a part of Georgia Military College's first softball team.
The seniors were integral parts of Evans' softball program, Evans coach Colette Cassedy said.
"It's going to be some tough holes to fill," she said. "They are outstanding players that are going to do well in school - athletically and academically."
Grimes, a right fielder, led the Lady Knights in batting last season with 14 RBIs and .403 batting average.
Wanting to become a dental hygienist, Grimes chose to take her core classes and play softball at ABAC based on a friend's advice.
"A starter last year, Ashley Hale, played at ABAC and told me they had a good team," Grimes said. "I came and tried out, and liked it here, and the coaches showed some interest in me. After I talked with my family, I decided that's where I wanted to go."
Brodhecker picked Georgia Military for the chance to shape a new program.
"That first team will get to set the standard for all other teams that follow us," she said. "I liked the sound of that."
Last year's defensive player of the year at Evans, the first-base player recorded 206 outs. She maintained a .290 batting average and knocked in 16 RBIs.
She plans to study physical therapy once she leaves Milledgeville.
"We're very proud of Ashley and Marquita," Evans Athletic Director Gail Connor said. "They're both good people, and we like to see good things happen to good people."