Greenbrier seniors set to play college ball

Four Greenbrier baseball players last week signed letters of intent, binding agreements sending them to four different places after graduation.

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But as the group celebrated their decisions, each talked about a goal they would like to accomplish before moving on.

"First win region and then win state," said senior Sam Daniel, who signed with USC Aiken. "We have a lot of seniors this year, a lot of leadership. I think we should do it this year."

The supporting evidence was in the four letters laid out on the table in Greenbrier's cafeteria.

Pitcher Chad Farmer is headed to Appalachian State, shortstop Ben Morgan signed to play at Georgia Southern, catcher Shawn McCain signed with Western Carolina and Daniel expects to play outfield for the Pacers.

Morgan committed to Georgia Southern during the summer. He said he received calls from Ole Miss and Tennessee after making his commitment, but he chose not to make any more visits.

"I was kind of like, 'All right, I (committed) too early,' " Morgan said. "There's just something about Georgia Southern that just feels right."

Farmer said Mountaineers coaches told him he had what it takes to make the weekend rotation as a freshman.

"It's probably one of the (most fun) things I've done, getting to venture out and see what's right for me," Farmer said.

Farmer also had considered Western Carolina, where McCain signed. McCain, the Wolfpack's catcher and closer as a junior, expects to compete as a freshman for a spot in the middle of the Catamounts lineup.

He said he might also be used as a relief pitcher.

"They sold it to me," said McCain, who also received offers from Furman and Middle Georgia. "They acted like I was family already."

Daniel cemented his commitment to USC Aiken, where he expects to play outfield. Daniel said he grabbed the Pacers' attention playing for the Augusta Barons travel team during the summer. He also had offers from Presbyterian College and Samford.

"I can go through my senior season not worrying," Daniel said of his early signing. "I still need to do my best. We still have a state championship to win."

After the baseball signings, Greenbrier softball standout Kaila Hunt sat at the same table after it was draped with a banner sporting University of Alabama logos.

The senior shortstop briefly put off signing her letter of intent with the Crimson Tide, instead signing personalized notes to those she credits with helping her reach this point. The recipients included family members and Wolfpack softball coach Garrett Black.

"I had the best seat in the house to watch one of the best shortstops in the country play," said Black, who coached Hunt the four seasons she started for Greenbrier.

The signing was only a formality for Hunt. She committed to Alabama during the spring of her sophomore year.

Hunt, who batted .483 in her final season to help Greenbrier reach the Class AAAAA finals, made her official visit to Alabama last fall. She said there had been no second thoughts since her initial commitment.

"I really don't care where (on the field) I play, as long as I'm playing," Hunt said. "Hopefully, I'd be able to play shortstop."