Jemison’s Jasmine Epperson signs a letter of intent to play softball at Marion Military Institute alongside Brandi Bailey. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

It was a joyous occasion for Jemison softball player Jasmine Epperson, who signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Marion Military Institute.

She will enter college with the plan of getting an associate degree at MMI before going to UAB to get a bachelor’s degree in critical nursing and entering the military.

The tight-knit campus and location, about an hour from Chilton County, made Marion Military Institute the perfect fit for Epperson.

“You get to come home just about every weekend, instead of only for holidays,” Epperson said.

Epperson was introduced to softball when she was 4 years old and has been learning under Jemison head coach Nathan Hayes since the eighth grade.

“No matter how good that you think you are, there is always something to improve on,” Epperson said. “The adjustments batting and in the field are never ending.”

Centerfield is her primary position and she hovers consistently around a .300 average at the plate.

“The first thing that I think of is her work ethic and versatility as a player,” Hayes said. “She is just a great kid who cares and knows what she wants to do in college.”

The same team concepts that she loves about softball, also exist in the military, which she looks to join after college.

“I love to help people and the structure that the military offers,” Epperson said. “It’s important to have a team that supports you on and off the field.”

According to Epperson, now she can enjoy the rest of her senior year without the looming questions that include stressing over payment and housing options for college.

The Jemison softball program appears in good shape moving forward and has the opportunity to make some noise this season in a competitive Area 6-5A that includes Calera and Marbury.

“This is hopefully the first of several signings that we will have coming over the next couple of years,” Hayes said. “We’re excited about it.”