Heritage High School freshman Shelby Hammontree commits to ECU

RINGGOLD, Ga. - Shelby Hammontree may be a new name on the prep softball scene in the Chattanooga area, but college coaches know all about the Heritage High School freshman.

Though she got only 27 at-bats this past season for the experienced Generals, Hammontree's work on the travel ball circuit and at college camps was enough for East Carolina University coach Beth Keylon-Randolph, the former Hixson High School star who won a national championship as Chattanooga State's coach last spring.

Hammontree accepted a scholarship offer from Keylon-Randolph on an unofficial visit this past weekend.

"I really didn't expect to be recruited by Division I schools this early, so I'm very excited," said Hammontree, who played behind Heritage all-star catcher Kristin West in 2012. "Coach Keylon-Randolph is a really great teacher and she expects her players to be the best, so it's an honor to play for her."

Hammontree's experience on the Heritage summer team and her showings at elite college camps made her a known quality outside the northwest Georgia area, Generals coach Steve Chattin said.

"She's been playing in our program since she was 12 and she's gone against very good competition," Chattin said. "She's received interest from several schools who have seen what she can do. She has the potential to be a legitimate power hitter by the time she graduates, and she has excellent catching tools.

"I know she's excited about her decision, and we're very excited for her."

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