Photo: Westbrook Christian senior Avery Bane signed a soccer scholarship with Shorter University in Rome, Ga., on May 10. Pictured with Avery are her mom Niki and dad Jason. (Mike Goodson/Messenger)
By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Avery Bane’s 13-year career in competitive soccer will continue for at least four more years.
On May 10, the Westbrook Christian senior signed a scholarship with Div. II Shorter University in Rome, Ga.
Bane recently narrowed her options down to the University of South Alabama, the University of Alabama at Huntsville and the University of West Alabama. She said a conversation with Shorter women’s soccer head coach Olivia Bloemke moved her to sign with the Lady Hawks.
“I talked with Coach Bloemke on Tuesday and signed on Friday,” said Bane, who plans to pursue a degree in nursing.
The Lady Hawks went 3-13-1 last season competing in the Gulf South Conference.
In her four years as a starter, Bane helped the Lady Warriors post a 72-17-1 record (including an 8-4 mark in the state playoffs) and Class 1A-3A state runner-up finishes in both 2016 and 2017.
“Avery has been a key part of our success over the past four years,” said Westbrook head coach Joel Hawbaker. “She’s been a very versatile in that she spent most of her time at forward but also gave us some important minutes at midfield and in the back. Avery’s been a great team leader, both by example and by encouraging her teammates.
“Avery’s been great for us both on the field and in the locker room. Her skill and her heart has also been there, and she’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever coached. I’m really excited to see her have the opportunity to continue playing. I know that Avery will give [Shorter] everything she has and will be a positive influence on that program.”
Messenger Publisher/Editor Chris McCarthy contributed to this article.