MILTON — While their final season with the Lady Panther softball team will not begin until late January, Krystal Cahill and Ellys Willett have already made plans for where they will play at the next level: Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, Ala.
Here, both players discuss their plans for JDCC and their final season at MHS.
Why did you sign with Jefferson Davis Community College?
Cahill: “It’s just a really good school and I got offered a full ride (scholarship), but they have a really good nursing program and that is really what I want to do as a career.”
Willett: “I had contacted a bunch of schools, but Jefferson Davis was the first one to offer and I took a couple months before I verbally committed. I just stuck with it. I kept thinking it’s close to home, but it’s far enough away for the college experience.”
What were some highlights of playing Milton High School softball?
Cahill: “I like playing with my friends. My friends make the game for me.”
Willett: “Just the integrity, the fight and the love of the whole family feeling. We are close-knitted. Even if you are new to the team or the school, we will accept you.”
What have you learned from your time on MHS’s softball team?
Cahill: “I definitely learned to have the heart for the game. Also to always have a great attitude, try to put the negativity out.”
Willett: “When I came here as a freshman, I couldn’t even bench the bar, which was only 45 pounds, and it was pretty embarrassing. Now I am benching over a hundred (pounds). I plan to take that drive, that work ethic (to Jefferson Davis Community College).”
What are your expectations heading into your final season with the Lady Panther softball team?
Cahill: “I have high expectations set. I feel like we can make history. I feel like we can make it to the final four, no doubt.”
Willett: “I expect us to learn from last year and to just not give up. Keep pushing and take the mistakes from the last game and try and correct those the next game. I plan to go to state. My coach said if we win state, we are going to Disney (World). I am planning to go to Disney.”
How does it feel to celebrate your full scholarship signings to the same college on the same day?
Cahill: “(Willett) is my best friend and I am super stoked to play at least two more years together.”
Willett: “It’s actually amazing, honestly. I never expected to go the same college as my best friend.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 5 questions with Milton High's Krystal Cahill and Ellys Willett