Two members of the Wallace Lady Govs softball team have now committed to play with four-year schools. Shortstop Elly Castle and pitcher Katlyn Conner have both agreed to continue their softball and academic careers at Cumberland University in Tennessee.

Castle's 58 RBIs was fifth in the state this past season. The Dale County native also scored 54 runs, had 69 hits, with seven of those hits being homeruns, 17 were doubles, and two were triples.

"I am honored to have this opportunity to play at a four-year school," Castle said. "I am beyond excited. I went up there on a visit and I absolutely loved it."
One reason Castle is so excited is, this is her first time away from home.

"I'm looking forward to growing as a person and figuring things out," she said. "I'm also looking forward to growing myself with Christ."

As for Conner, the Geneva native finished fourth in the state with 14 wins. She had an earned run average of 2.70 and she tossed 16 complete games.

"I'm both excited and nervous at the same time," Conner said. "But I think my mother is more excited than I am. I am the first in my family to go to college, and of course the first to go on a scholarship. I think she is living out her sports life through me."

Conner said her main goal at Cumberland is to finish what she starts.

"I want to get my bachelor's degree," she said. "I haven't decided on a major yet, but I know I want to finish college. I'm going to push through and try to make it the best years of my life."

Wallace softball assistant coach Brianna Griffiths said Conner and Castle have been integral part of the Lady Gov program for the past two years.

"Katlyn and Elly both are more than deserving of this opportunity to compete at the next level," Griffiths said. "These are two young ladies who fought through more adversity in two years than most student-athletes ever will. They were constantly loyal to their teammates, coaches and the recruiting process. and will both make an immediate impact for Cumberland University in the competitive Mid-South Conference. I'm so proud of both Elly and Katlyn for all they have done on and off the field at Wallace the past two years, and for their trust in Coach (David) Dews preparing them for the next level. I can't wait to see them both on the field as a Phoenix! "