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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Recent Maplesville High School graduate Emily Smitherman has signed with Judson College to play softball.

Smitherman received an offer call from Judson Coach Tom Hannah. She said she made the decision to attend Judson after talking to several people who had attended the college.

“They just said that it would be a great opportunity,” Smitherman said.

She also discussed the choice with her family.

Smitherman thanked Maplesville Coach Clark Watley and her family for all their support.

Her softball career at Maplesville spanned seventh through 12th grade, but her love of the sport began at age 5.

“I have played with the same three girls my whole life,” Smitherman said. “I just love the sport, and Coach Watley he has done so much.”

She said she enjoys “getting close with the girls on the team and defense. I really like defense.”

Smitherman is looking forward to experiencing the sport at the college level.

In middle school, she played shortstop before transitioning to her current position at second base in ninth grade. A position she hopes to continue playing at the collegiate level.

High school came with some challenges as Smitherman had a major hip injury in 10th grade.

“We were in our very first tournament, and I dove after a foul ball, and from that day it went downhill,” Smitherman said. “I ripped everything in my hip. I played the whole rest of the year with my hip injured and then I had surgery.”

The first game of her senior year, Smitherman had three hits in four at-bats.

Smitherman will major in equine science and begin classes on Aug. 13.