By Staff
Charles Prince, Hartselle Enquirer
Danville's Emily Templeton will have the chance to extend her softball career after high school.
On Jan. 31, she signed a scholarship to play at Northwest-Shoals Community College.
Templeton had an outstanding junior season as she batted .444 and drove in 31 runs, while scoring 14 runs, collecting eight doubles and collecting 60 hits in 60 games.
Templeton helped lead the Lady Hawks to a 42-18 record and an appearance in the state softball tournament for the first time in the fast-pitch era.
Northwest-Shoals' head coach Melanie Thompson thinks Templeton will be a big asset to her school's softball program.
"She's got a lot of things to like about her game," Thompson said.
"She's really strong, and she hustles and puts out a great effort. I think that's what impressed me the most was the hustle she has."
Templeton tried out last November at the college after Freddie Kirby of Southeastern Athletics brought her to the attention of Thompson.
"After the tryout I knew she could play at the college level," Thompson said.
Templeton decided on her trip the school was the right one for her to play at.
"I felt right at home when I was there," Templeton said. "It felt like a hometown school and that's exactly what I was looking for in a college."
According to Thompson, Templeton may play first base, but could be used in other positions and her chances of playing as a freshman are contingent on how she performs in preseason workouts.
Templeton is glad to have the process of finding a college to play for is over.
"This takes the pressure off me," Templeton said. "Signing before my senior season lets me relax and just play the game. It's a big relief knowing I'm signing now and I'm going to play on after high school for sure."
Templeton hopes to pursue a degree in nursing and may transfer to a four-year school after completing her two years at Northwest-Shoals.