By Jack Walker
Staff Writer
Van Alstyne senior shortstop Bailey Offill made it official last Friday, signing a letter of intent to accept a softball scholarship to McLennan Community College in Waco. McLennan is a Division I junior college in Region 5 North.
The recognition comes after almost 10 years of activity in the sport, playing for several select teams, the last being Texas Elite. Coaches for that team, Don Mongillo and David Newcomb were present for the event held in the high school library.
Also in attendance was the McLennan coach Manuel Ordones who spoke to us about Offill's attributes.
"We really liked her ability to swing the bat. Also she has good speed and is very athletic."
For Offill, it was an opportunity to nail down the next step in her softball future so that she can now concentrate on her senior season as a player for the Lady Panthers. "Yes, I'm very excited that I got this out of the way before my senior year and now I can relax and enjoy the season and not worry about where I'm going." We asked Offill how she made her decision to attend the Waco school. "I really liked coach Ordones, I got a chance to see the facilities and they are great,"
I met some of the team and they are really friendly, I think I'm going to like it there."
Offill added that she was confident that the 2010 Lady Panther team would be successful as well.
She will be one of six seniors on the Van Alstyne team and last season she batted .290 for the Lady Panthers.