Former Konawaena softball standout Shaylann Marie Grace signed an athletic scholarship to play for Texas A&M Texarkana last month.
The junior ace inside the circle, who also carries a big stick in the box, will join the Eagles in 2020. Texas A&M Texarkana is an NAIA school that plays out of the Red River Athletic Conference.
As for what led her to the college located on the boarder of Texas and Arkansas, Grace kept it simple.
“Prayer,” she said. “I prayed about the situation. I was not forced to sign early, but I did it because God showed me there is a purpose and aplan for me to go there.
“After looking at their program, it fit exactly what I was looking for in a college,” she added. “I didn’t care the type of division the softball program was in. My main thing is I’m getting to play what I love most, majoring in what I want to be in the near future, and mainly gettingthe feeling of being close to home.”
Grace had a chance to meet with Texarkana coach Marie Stone twice. Stone is in her second second at the helm of the Eagles. She was the head coach at Murray State from 2013-16, leading the Lady Aggies to single-season records in several offensive categories in her final year.
“I have talked to a coach there and actually met her in the summer when she watched a (Gold Coast) practice in Kansas City, Missouri and she wanted me as a third baseman,” Grace said. “That’s where it all took place, then in early December the coachcame down and watched a tournament of ours and later wanted me as a pitcher.”
Grace played two years at Konawaena, leading the Wildcats back-to-back runner up finishes in the BIIF and a pair of state berths. Last year, Konawaena reached the semifinals of states before losing to eventual state champion Saint Francis in an 8-7 battle.
Coincidentally, Grace would transfer to Saint Francis during the summer to play her junior season with the Saints.
However, Grace would get some bad news shortly after her signing when she found out in early January that Saint Francis would be closing grades 7-12 at the end of the school year.
“Coming to Saint Francis was an eye opener and something new for me, and the school provided me the academic support I needed,” Grace said. “As for the team, our bond is growing as we go along.”
Though only at St. Francis for a short time, it will be difficult for Grace to leave the school.
“Transferring is tough because of the friendships and relationships I built up here and the support is unbelievable,” Grace said. “I could feel more at peace with myself here.”
As for her time at Konawaena, it is her teammates that she remembers most.
“My time at Konawaena was a fun ride, getting down and dirty with the girls,” Grace said. “It was definitely a memorable one”
Grace said she will transfer to Damien for her senior season, but at the same time, nothing will be the same as home.
“All in all blessed with the greatest opportunity to go to school and play college ball,” Grace said. “The main thing will be getting out there, but home will always be home. The support from my family and the community back at home will never compare. I am thankful for all thehelping hands and support through this journey.”