The Newton County softball program sent two more players to the community college ranks last week.
Seniors Lizzy Hollingsworth and Katelynn Gipson both signed to continue their careers at East Central Community College.
Newton County coach Justin Chaney said he was excited to see two more players continuing their career.
“I’m so excited and glad they are going to East Central,” Chaney said. "I think it’s a quality program, right across the road. They know we are right here. Again, two more going on to continue their career. That’s exciting. They are my kids who are going on to college. I’m excited for them and they deserve it and work hard. They do a tremendous job. I’m happy for them.”
Both Gipson and Hollingsworth will enter their senior years after starting since the eighth grade for Chaney and both played integral roles in last year’s state championship team.
Chaney said both players bring a lot of diversity to the ECCC program.
“Katelyn has played several positions for us,” Chaney said. “She has played a lot of third but can do a lot of things. I think she is a heck of a first baseman. And I tell Lizzy all the time that she is a utility player. She can play infield or outfield and be very effective where ever you put her. I’m just excited to see them get the opportunity and see what they can do for east Central.”
Gipson said she also had some interest from Meridian in soccer but decided to sign in softball with Hollingsworth.
“I’m really excited to be going with Lizzy because we have always been best friends,” Gipson said. “We are going to room together and it’s just exciting to get to further our softball careers together. I’m really excited. MCC was recruiting me in soccer but I leaned to East Central because it was close to home and close to my family. It’s like seven miles from my house. They definitely recruited me the hardest and came to a lot of my games.”
Hollingsworth has also been a starter since the eighth grade and said she has always wanted to play at East Central. Hollingsworth also agreed with Chaney that she is a utility player and could play anywhere for the Lady Warriors next year.
“I had a couple of other offers but East Central is where I have always wanted to be since I was little,” Hollingsworth said. “I have grown up in this community so East Central has always been my top option. It is exciting. Katelyn and Have grown up laying together and got an offer from East Central at the same time.”
Both players were quick to credit Chaney for being “a great coach and a great mentor.”
“We have definitely had some tough times but at the end of the day, I know he wants what is best for me,” Hollingsworth said. “He just wants me to play hard and become a better person on and off the field. He has taught me a lot of life lessons and how to play better on the field.”
