A local student-athlete has chosen to stay home as she seeks to continue her athletic career.
Watson Chapel senior Raven Greenwade signed with Southeast Arkansas College for softball Thursday in the WCHS library.
She said finding a school nearby was her top priority in her college search.
“I like being close to my family,” Greenwade said. “Of course, close to home, the community that it was in and like, the area and stuff.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Greenwade started playing softball her freshman year. She plays center field but has also pitched. She said she isn’t sure yet whether she will seek to continue playing softball after SEARK. She intends to pursue a nursing degree.
Former Watson Chapel coach Jessica Heird coached Greenwade her freshman and sophomore years before leaving to teach at eStem. She came back to support Greenwade at Thursday’s event.
“She’ll do whatever you ask her to do,” Heird said. “She’s got a heart of gold. If you ask her to run through a wall, she’s going to run through a wall. Great work ethic. Good grades. A great teammate, a great friend.”
SEARK’s new athletics department began competition this spring with baseball and softball. The softball team’s inaugural season was cut short, with the school citing injuries among the reasons. The Sharks finished 4-13 and had 30 games remaining.
The school is now seeking a new coach, but Watson Chapel officials said SEARK has assured them despite the changes, Greenwade’s roster spot will be honored. A SEARK academic recruiter was present for Greenwade’s signing.
Greenwade may have to impress new coaches who didn’t recruit her when she arrives, but she said she wants to prove her worth.
“I want to show them that I’m capable of doing anything I put my mind to,” Greenwade said. “I’ll be their strongest link.”