By Chris McCarthy/Editor
It’s apparent that good things come in 3’s for the 2013 Sardis High varsity softball team.
Krista Hubbard became the third Lady Lion this school year to commit to play at the next level, as the senior centerfielder signed a scholarship with Alabama Southern last Tuesday (Feb. 5).
Teammates Kameron Carter and Bethany Chamblee signed earlier this year, Carter with Shorter College in Rome, Ga., and Chamblee with Gadsden State.
Krista, who also had a scholarship offer from Enterprise State, was impressed by what she saw during a recent visit to the school’s campus in Monroeville.
Sardis’ Hubbard signs – page 4B
“My dad got a recruiter for me, Freddy Kirby (with South Eastern Athletics, Inc.), who got in touch with [Alabama Southern]. I liked the people I met while I was there and everything was nice, so I felt that was where I should be. I am also glad I got the signing out of the way before the season started.”
A varsity starter since midway through her seventh grade season, Krista helped the Lady Lions reach the Class 4A North Regional Tournament last year and the Class 3A state tournament in 2012.
“As soon as I met Krista and her parents, I fell in love with all of them,” said ASCC head softball coach Elaine Covin. “Freddy has never steered me in the wrong direction with recruits, and if he tells me a girl is good, I know that she’s good. Krista will bring a lot of speed to the outfield, and from what I understand, she’s a strong hitter. We’ll use the short game a lot this year, so if we can put out little girls on the bases and bring Krista in to move them over, we’ll going to be in good shape this year.”
Covin, who founded the Alabama Southern softball program in 1997, added that Krista’s coming from a successful high school program shouldn’t be overlooked.
“Krista is a great player and a great girl,” said Sardis head softball coach Mary Beth Gilliland. “She’s always one of the last players to leave practice and always works hard. Her biggest weapon is her speed. She is very fast and smart on the bases. She can pretty much play anywhere, which is always great. She deserves this scholarship due to all of her hard work.”
Krista, who plans on enrolling in the school’s nursing program, added that she didn’t mind the four-plus hour drive to Monroeville.
“I think I’m ready to get out of here,” she said with a laugh.