Mandy Bunnell, a senior member of Priceville High School’s softball team, signed a letter of intent to play softball for Columbia State Community College in Tennessee on Friday.

The signing took place in the school library in the presence of her teammates, coaches and family members.

Bunnell, a third baseman/outfielder and a member of the Lady Bulldogs varsity since the eighth grade, plans to enroll at the college next fall, after completing her final year of high school eligibility.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Bunnell said. “I’m excited about having the opportunity to play at the college level but before I do that I want to have a good senior season. My goal is for us to win our area and region and advance to the state championship tournament.”

“Mandy is a special player because she shows up everyday, works hard, knows the game well and leads by example,” said Priceville head softball coach Chris Odom. “She’s one of our better hitters and can play anywhere, even though third base seems to be her natural position. She has what it takes to be successful at the next level.”

“We’re always excited and pleased to have one of our players earn a scholarship because it means that player has worked hard to achieve her goal. It also helps our program because of the positive example it sets for younger players,” Odom added.

CSCC head coach Johnny Littrell said Bunnell is one of the top five players he is signing early and was recruited as a first baseman/outfielder.

“We’re bringing in six or seven high school seniors to replace this year’s sophomores,” he said. Bunnell has the game knowledge and experience that can help us at either position. She’s also a good batter and all-around player as well as a good student, which means a lot to our program.”

Littrell said his team usually finishes among the top three teams in a 10-team conference, winning about 70 percent of its game.

“We’re also proud of the fact a lot of our players go on to play at a four-year college,” he pointed out. During the 10 years I’ve coached there, we’ve had 26 players sign with 4-year college programs.