Two Lady Pioneers extended their careers on the diamond by at least two years when they made their college pledge Tuesday.
First baseman Taylor Grissom and pitcher Gabi Keith signed their letters of intent to play for Motlow State Community College starting next February.
Grissom and Keith have starred for the past three years for Warren County and enter their senior seasons as two leaders of the Lady Pioneers.
Grissom enjoyed her best season as a Lady Pioneer last year, hitting over .400 with a home run and over 20 RBIs. Grissom is also a sure-handed defensive player and the vocal leader for Warren County in the dugout.
Keith also shined in her junior year. A three-year starter in the circle for coach David Upton, Keith topped the 10-win mark last season and struck out over 100 batters.
Keith’s best game came in a District 6-AAA game against Cumberland County at home. Keith threw a no-hitter and struck out nine batters against the Lady Jets.
Both Lady Pioneers are excited to continue their careers down the road in Tullahoma.
“I’m really excited for a new adventure on the diamond,” said Grissom. “My ultimate goal has always been to play college softball.”
Keith echoed the sentiments of her current and future teammate.
“Today is the day I have been waiting on for what seems like my entire life,” Keith said Tuesday. “I’m so excited to be a Lady Buck and glad the hard work, pitching lessons and traveling paid off.”
Coach Upton was excited to see two of his players get a chance to continue playing a sport they each love. Ever since Grissom and Keith stepped foot on the high school field, coach Upton was aware of their talents.
Coach Upton feels like Motlow is the perfect place for Keith and Grissom.
“I feel like Gabi and Taylor are going to a very good program,” said Upton. “It gives them a chance to play at the next level and after two years they may have another chance to keep advancing.”
Motlow is a two-year university, but Keith and Grissom will be eligible to play four years if they choose. The softball tradition for the Lady Bucks is very good and Keith and Grissom will continue the legacy of Warren County athletes playing in Tullahoma. It has been six years since the last Lady Pioneer played softball at Motlow.
Warren County High School athletic director Todd Willmore spoke briefly at the signing before faxing in the official letters to Motlow. Willmore praised the leadership and accomplishments for the diamond duo.
“I’m very excited for our players, for the softball program and for the accomplishments this team has had over the past few years,” said Willmore.
Keith and Grissom have led a transformation of the Lady Pioneer program. Both players arrived at WCHS in the 2008-09 school year as part of a celebrated class of players.
Keith and Grissom are two of eight seniors who return to the Lady Pioneers this season after starting the previous three years. As the class has grown up at the high school level, the success has followed.
As sophomores, Keith and Grissom helped the Lady Pioneers make it all the way to regionals for the first time in school history. Last season, the Lady Pioneers won a school-record 19 games.
Keith and Grissom were each accompanied by their families on signing day at the high school, along with their teammates and several friends.
Warren County will start practicing on Monday, Feb. 13. The team’s first game is scheduled on Monday, March 12 at Oakland High School.