Annie Prince and Haylee Webb are joined by the Community coaching staff and administration as the signed their letters of intent to continue their softball careers at Chattanooga State. (Submitted Photo)
Annie Prince established herself as one of the top pitchers in the state, compiling a record of 22-3 last year to go with a 0.85 ERA. (Post File Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
Since she joined the team her freshman year, Annie Prince has been a huge reason the Community Viqueens have established themselves as a state softball power, twice helping lead the Purple and Gold to the state tournament.
Last week, along with teammate Haylee Webb, Prince signed her letter of intent to continue her softball career at Chattanooga State.
From the earliest days of her working with her dad, putting pen to paper to make it official for her college career was the realization of a life-long dream.
“It feels like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It goes back to when I was four and my dad was throwing to me in the yard. We just progressed,” she said.
Prince has established herself as not only one of the best hitters in the area, but also a top pitcher in the state.
During her junior season that led Community to the Class 2A state tournament, Prince batted .343 and drove in 16 runs and connected on nine extra base hits, while smacking three homers.
In the circle, she complied a 22-3 overall record last season and compiled an incredible 0.85 ERA.
She gave up just 17 earned runs last season.
Throughout her time with the Viqueens, being part of the runs to the state tournament stand out to Prince as among her favorite memories playing for the Purple and Gold.
“Probably going to state, especially when I was a freshman. And going back my junior year. It’s rewarding,” she said.
When it came time to find a school to begin her college career, Prince said there were multiple schools in the mix, but in the end, it was Chattanooga State that stood out among the crowd.
“There were a bunch of schools I was looking at, but Chatt State stood out the most,” she said.
While Prince has progressed throughout her career, she’s going to have to fight for her playing time once she arrives in Chattanooga.
“I’ll probably fight for position and that’s the way I want it to be,” she said.
While Chattnooga State is a junior college and only a two-year school, Prince hopes to continue playing beyond her time in Chattanooga and conclude her career at a four-year school.
“I hope to go further and continue playing,” she said.
Prince plans on pursuing a degree in criminal justice.