COURTLAND
On Monday morning, Meagan Vincent of Southampton Academy confirmed her decision to play softball for the Richard Bland College of William and Mary in Petersburg next year. The 18-year-old pitcher for the Raiders signed the papers during a brief ceremony in the library, complete with teammates, parents, coaches and even a cake.

Playing since she was 9, the deciding factor for the future player is that Bland College, which a junior school, could lead her to Division I for softball, in which Vincent particularly wants to play. The alternative she considered was Christopher Newport University, a Division III school.

Vincent foresees making a career out of playing softball. Meanwhile, her hope for this last season with fellow Lady Raiders is to win a third state championship. Jeb Bradshaw and Scott Speight are head coach and assistant coach, respectively; Dale Marks is the athletic director.

After the signing, Katy Lampman, head coach of softball at the college, naturally had only word of praise for her future player.

“Meagan’s a very talented athlete. She has a good presence on the mound, she dominated the batters and brought a mix of speeds,” said Lampman, who was accompanied by assistant coach Cassidy Clayton.

“We’re very happy. Very pleased,” said Vincent’s mother, Jennifer. “She’s worked very hard the past nine years.” Meagan is also the daughter of Ronnie Vincent; the family lives in Boykins.