When Elizabethton senior Lauren Brickey takes the diamond this season, she will have already cleared one base path of her softball career.
Wednesday, the Lady Cyclones standout, in front of friends and family, signed to play softball for the Lady Senators at Walters State Community College.
“It is a really good program,” said Brickey. “A lot of people just think it is a junior college and no big deal, but they’re a really good program. I just really like the campus, and I really like the team and coaches. I felt like I was at home when I went.”
The future Lady Senator has been wielding a bat and glove since she was 4 years old, and said she is excited to get the chance to continue playing ball on into her college years.
“It is really awesome,” said Brickey. “Because I have always dreamed of playing college ball, and I have always watched college players. I have always wanted to be like them, and now I will be like them. That is really awesome.”
Last season, Brickey and the Lady Cyclones made the program’s first-ever trip to the state tournament. Brickey said that the team is ready to make it back to Murfreesboro.
“I am really excited for this season,” said Brickey. “We just have to put in more work. People are going to come after us, and we have to keep our heads on straight and just play like we know we can.”
Brickey’s signing comes shortly after the signing of senior teammate Macie Herrmann who will play ball at Milligan College, and EHS head coach Ken Hardin said it is always great to see one of his players go on to the next level.
“It is a big deal for the players, and it is also a big deal for the program,” said Hardin. “It’s good that we have players who can play and go on to the next level. This senior class has been absolutely great for me. I am very proud of Lauren. Walters State has a really good program, and I feel she will be a good fit there.”
Walters State head softball coach Larry Sauceman was on hand during Wednesday’s signing and said the Lady Senators are excited to have Brickey on board.
“She is an all-around player,” said Larry Sauceman. “She swings the bat well and also plays second base really well. She is an all-purpose athlete. We will pitch her and give her the opportunity to definitely swing. We have been watching her since her junior year, and we are excited to have her.”