Marissa Patterson signed scholarship papers with the University of West Georgia this week, becoming the first Heritage softball player to secure a college deal.
Patterson, a three-year starter for the three-year program in Ringgold, led the Generals to the state playoffs with 21 wins and a 0.86 ERA in 145 innings pitched last fall. She allowed only 69 hits and struck out 187.
"West Georgia plays in the toughest conference in Division II, but they haven't been one of the top programs," Heritage coach Steve Chattin said. "They're counting on Marissa to come down and help them take that next step. They offered her a really sweet deal, and we couldn't be more happy for her."
Chattin sees Patterson's scholarship as a breakthrough for his young program.
"Any time you're trying to build a program, it means something to the younger players to see someone like Marissa earn a scholarship," Chattin said. "It makes them work harder because they see what can be accomplished. I expect us to have several more signings in the years to come."
Lee signs McCroskey
Gatlinburg-Pittman High School guard John McCroskey recently signed to play basketball next year for Lee University.
"John should step in and give us four good years," Flames coach Tommy Brown said in a Lee release. "He's an excellent athlete and student and should be a great fit for four program."
McCroskey averaged 13 points, 5.6 assists and two steals a game for the Highlanders this past season, when they went 24-9. He won back-to-back Sevier County 3-point-shooting contests.
McCroskey also considered Tusculum, Emory & Henry, American University and LaGrange.
"Lee is a great choice for me," he said. "The overall environment, facilities, faculty and the general welcome sense that Lee presents made me feel like this was the place to be."
He plans to major in psychology or "something in the science field," he said. "I'm sure whatever I end up doing with my life, Le will give me the tools to accomplish my goals."