On Nov. 1, senior Mya Russell signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Fort Scott Community College, where she plans to play softball. 

“The family environment coach Kae and coach Taylor created has made a huge impact on the program,” Russell said. “They prioritize their relationship with their athletes. That is a big reason I chose to sign here.”

After looking at several programs, FSCC stood out the most and was ultimately chosen for Russell’s future school. 

“This school stood out because of their amazing facilities,” Russell said. “And the fact that their program is growing so quickly.”

Russell started playing t-ball when she was four. She then played in the town’s recreational softball league until the age of seven when she then made the switch to travel ball. 

“Playing for Pepper’s Lazor has helped me gain confidence and helped me to find my identity on and off the field,” Russell said. 

Moving on can often be scary for many, but according to Russell, there are also many things to look forward to. 

“I am mostly looking forward to playing with new people,” Russell said. “I am excited to make new friends and bond with my teammates and coaches.”

On Nov. 1, senior Maddie Burdick signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Daytona State College, where she plans to play softball. 

“I chose Daytona State because of the coaching staff,” Burdick said. “Head coach Greer had great energy and I loved his coaching style. I think he will really help me build on the skills I have.” 

Before choosing this school, Burdick visited the campus and explored the softball program. 

“When I met the coaching staff and the girls, it was very clear that they have a great program and have created a family atmosphere,” Burdick said. “I’ll need that since I’ll be 12,000 miles from home.”

Burdick has been playing softball most of her life and it has led to this opportunity. 

“My travel team really focused on getting us in front of college coaches by attending college showcases,” Burdick said. 

At these showcases, college coaches can come and see the upcoming talent and have a chance to visit with the players. 

“At one of the showcases, I was introduced to coach Greer and he kept up with how I was playing by videos I uploaded on sports recruit,” Burdick said. “I then went on to tour the college and received my offer after lots of communication.”

According to Burdick, there are many things to be excited about with moving to the next level.  

“I’m looking forward to everything but most of all meeting my teammates and creating new friendships while being able to continue playing softball,” Burdick said.

On Nov. 8, senior Marielle Wright signed her letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Bemidji State University, where she plans to play soccer. 

“I chose to sign with Bemigji because it really had all of what I was looking for,” Wright said. “It is a top Division-II soccer program.”

Wright has been playing soccer for a long time, going to Kansas City, Kan. three to five times a week. 

“I went to several identification camps,” Wright said. “I talked to a bunch of coaches to find the best fit for me.”

After talking to coaches and exploring other programs, Wright eventually chose Bemidji State for a couple reasons. 

“Bemidji stood out to me the most because I loved the connection I had with the team and the coach,” Wright said. “The coach is a man of faith which is also something that is important to me. He seems to help his players grow as people, not just as soccer players.” 

While it is a big change, Wright is ready to start playing at the next level. 

“The coaches and the team are great,” Wright said. “The location is beautiful. I look forward to getting up there to start competing and getting better.