By BRIDGETTE NORRIS
Playing softball for over a decade, senior Brandy Eaton looks forward to playing after high school.
After receiving scholarship offers from St. Petersburg, Brevard, Sumter and Eckerd, she chose to sign with St. John’s River State College. Aside from softball, Eaton kept her future career in mind. Eaton confirms the chemistry program at St. John’s sealed the deal for her.
“I really liked St. John’s. They have a good chemistry program. I am going into the forensics program,” Eaton said.
With influence and encouragement from her dad and sister, Eaton started playing [softball] at the age of five.
Although she has made sacrifices for softball, like lack of energy for a social life, she does not want to stop playing.
“My dad got me involved in it and my sister was already involved so I wanted to start and follow her footsteps. I am not done with playing yet. I still have love for the game. Once I stop having love for it, I will stop, but I have not had the urge to stop yet,” Eaton said.
Eaton is prepared for the challenges of managing college, playing softball and being away from home. One of the primary challenges is that Eaton will be moving into an apartment with people she has never met before.
“I’m excited about new experiences I will have and people I will meet. I’m nervous about leaving high school because I won’t have my parents and coaches to rely on,” Eaton said.
Her parents have supported her, cleaned and improved the field, as well as attended nearly every game. Along with her family, her teammates and coaches have also supported her.
“[My favorite part] is seeing the girls grow better as players and reach their goals, especially getting college scholarships and awards,” varsity softball coach Robin Bradford said.
Throughout Eaton’s four year softball career in high school, Bradford has been Eaton’s coach.
“[I hope my players learn] life skills like: always fight to the end and never give up, being a good teammate and give more than you get, bounce back from a rough time, it will get better, work on your shortcomings, win and lose with respect beyond softball skills,” Bradford said.