Augusta Christian athletes sign with college teams
Two Augusta Christian athletes signed letters of intent May 21 to play at the college level.
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Jamal Womble is joined by his father Melvin Womble and his coach Marty Griffin as he signs a basketball scholarship with South Georgia Technical Junior College in Americus, Ga.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Jamal Womble agreed to play basketball for South Georgia Technical College in Americus, and Annie Kim agreed to run cross country for Augusta State University.
Womble was this year's leading rebounder for his team and scored an average of 13 points per game. He likes the fast-paced style of South Georgia Technical College.
"They like to run and gun," Womble said.
Womble's versatility will benefit the school's up and coming program, and he should step in and begin contributing right away, said AC Coach Marty Griffin. Womble is a fiery player who will bring speed and solid shooting to his new team, and has the ability to fill any position.
"He's talented and experienced. He really loves the game," Griffin said. Womble said he is looking forward to joining the group. "They play well as a team. It looks like the players have a lot of respect for the coach, too," Womble added.
The 6-foot, 6-inch forward plans to take core classes at the college then transfer to Texas Christian University and study broadcast journalism so he can pursue a career as a sports commentator.
Womble's athletic background should prove helpful. He enjoys all types of sports, but primarily played football and basketball on recreation leagues while growing up in the area. He began focusing on basketball in eighth grade, and became a key player for the AC team which enjoyed a string of successes. Womble helped his team to region titles in past years and a runner-up title this season.
His efforts were rewarded when he was the only player in the region chosen to represent the Georgia Independent School Association in the Georgia-South Carolina All State Game.
Womble was also named to the First Team All Region and All State teams both his junior and senior year, and was the only student from a private school to be selected to the CSRA All Star Basketball Team. Cross country standout Kim selected Augusta State because she likes the running program and wanted to stay in the area.
"It seemed like an obvious choice to me," she said. Kim's influence will inspire her new team to excel, said AC Coach Beth Harden.
"She's a great team leader. Her determination to place well for the team keeps the other girls focused," she said.
Kim's work ethic and determination set a good example for the AC team, which won every meet this season and won the region for the fifth straight time. In addition, AC won the state championship twice and was runner up twice during Kim's tenure on the team.
Annie Kim is joined by her parents, Margaret and Jae Kim, and her coach Beth Hardin as she signs a cross country scholarship with Augusta State University.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"She inspires the girls to push forward before meets. I know she'll continue to be an inspiration as she moves to Augusta State," Harden said.
For her running efforts, Kim was designated "Rising Star" for the Greater Augusta Sports Council her freshman year, and was chosen for the All Region and All State teams three years in a row. The Augusta Striders Running Club also included her as a top runner in the All Metro Team last year.
Kim, who has always enjoyed all outdoor activities, began seriously running cross country in junior high. She joined the varsity squad and helped spur the team to a state championship her freshman year. For Kim's entire running career, the team has placed in the top three in state competition, a feat she attributes to team unity.
Kim is undecided on a major, but will take general curriculum classes while researching her options.
While not running, she enjoys horseback riding and plays the violin.