Two members of Danville High School’s softball team have signed letters of intent to compete at the college level following their graduation in May.

Catcher Kellee Stiles signed with Snead State Community College and pitcher Savannah Bolton signed with Wallace State Community College.

Both players and members of their families participated in separate signing ceremonies at the two college campuses Sun, Jan. 18.

Stiles, a four-year varsity starter, led the Lady Hawks in hitting with a .366 batting average. Her play behind the plate was almost error-free with a .993 fielding percentage. She also collected 133 put-outs.

Stiles said what attracted her to Snead was its coaching staff, players, beautiful campus and small college atmosphere.

“I’ve always wanted to play at the college level,” Stiles said, “and I feel Snead is a good fit for me. It also offers the curriculum I need to pursue a career in criminal justice.”

Bolton pitched 132 innings for the Lady Hawks as a junior, compiling a .793 ERA.

The four-year varsity starter said she was drawn to Wallace State because of its winning tradition in softball and its academic program in nursing.

“This is a dream come true for me,” Bolton said, “because playing college softball and earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing are goals I’ve had for a long time.”

“Both players are very deserving and capable of having successful college careers,” said Danville head softball coach Savannah Chenault.

“Stiles is a calm player and a good motivator. She is a force to be reckoned with both on offense and defense, and the other players look up to her.

Bolton has a strong drive and is very competitive and efficient on the mound,” Chenault pointed out. “She gets her teammates together during the off season and they work together, stay in shape and improve their skills.”

Both players said their goal for this season is to continue to improve and help their team make the state playoffs and compete for a state championship.

Stiles is the daughter of Robert and Christina Chumley, and Bolton is the daughter of Eve and Kenny Bolton.

Seated with Savannah Bolton are her mother, Eve Bolton, right, and DHS coach Savannah Chenault. Standing, from left, are WSCC assistant coach Jeff Benson, WSCC head coach Jayne Clem and DHS assistant coaches Troy Wilkerson and Mallory Jones. | Special to the Enquirer

Danville senior Kellee Stiles signs a letter of intent to play softball at Snead State Community College. Seated with her are her parents Robert and Christina Chumley and sister Hannah. Standing, from left, are Megan Christensen, Twyla Haggemaker, coach Tracy Grindrod and Holli Hill. | Special to the Enquirer