NewsAthleticsCollege GuidanceSoftball
Watford to take field at Young Harris
Apr 14, 2008 12:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Written by David Dawson, Rome News-Tribune Sports Writer, published 4/10/08
While dealing with a series of adverse occurrences, Jennifer Watford proved she could make the best of a tough situation. Now, her perserverance has been rewarded.
Watford, a senior pitcher at Darlington, signed a letter of intent Wednesday [April 9} with the Young Harris fastpitch softball program.
"Jennifer was the most competitive person I've ever coached in any sport," said Darlington softball coach James Hutchins. "She gave 100 percent all the time."
Watford dealt with numerous injuries throughout her career, but continued to compete at a high level throughout her four-year varsity career. She earned Rome News-Tribune All Area honors during all four years - including a First Team selection in 2006 - and compiled a .428 career batting average.
"Jennifer was our rock, our go-to person," said Hutchins.
Though she played catcher and third base for most of her career before high school, Watford was asked to pitch at Darlington. She readily agreed to the assignment, and helped take the Lady Tigers to one of their most successful seasons in team history last fall.
Her willingness to switch positions, coupled with inner drive to overcome the injuries, resulted in her becoming a team leader at Darlington.
"She was a quiet leader," said Hutchins, "(and) when she spoke, others listened. She has a driving spirit to excel, and I never had to ask if she was ready (to play). I could see it in her face."
Watford, who was also manager of the baseball team for three years, served as Darlington's team captain the past three seasons, and has participated on several successful traveling teams, including a 2006 ASA National Championship runner-up.
While dealing with a series of adverse occurrences, Jennifer Watford proved she could make the best of a tough situation. Now, her perserverance has been rewarded.
Watford, a senior pitcher at Darlington, signed a letter of intent Wednesday [April 9} with the Young Harris fastpitch softball program.
"Jennifer was the most competitive person I've ever coached in any sport," said Darlington softball coach James Hutchins. "She gave 100 percent all the time."
Watford dealt with numerous injuries throughout her career, but continued to compete at a high level throughout her four-year varsity career. She earned Rome News-Tribune All Area honors during all four years - including a First Team selection in 2006 - and compiled a .428 career batting average.
"Jennifer was our rock, our go-to person," said Hutchins.
Though she played catcher and third base for most of her career before high school, Watford was asked to pitch at Darlington. She readily agreed to the assignment, and helped take the Lady Tigers to one of their most successful seasons in team history last fall.
Her willingness to switch positions, coupled with inner drive to overcome the injuries, resulted in her becoming a team leader at Darlington.
"She was a quiet leader," said Hutchins, "(and) when she spoke, others listened. She has a driving spirit to excel, and I never had to ask if she was ready (to play). I could see it in her face."
Watford, who was also manager of the baseball team for three years, served as Darlington's team captain the past three seasons, and has participated on several successful traveling teams, including a 2006 ASA National Championship runner-up.
