MHS softball player signs with Coastal Alabama

MILTON — Milton High School softball player Kelsey Hodges has signed to play with Coastal Alabama Community College South. Her drive to work despite injuries impressed coaches.

MHS celebrated Hodges’ achievement Nov. 15 in the school auditorium with MHS head softball coach Kevin Jordan and Coastal Alabama Community College South head softball coach Mallory Radwitch.

Hodges started her high school career playing both softball and soccer, according to Jordan.

"Unfortunately soccer was taken away from her this year because of her knee injury," Jordan said. "She had lost her ninth grade year because of a knee injury when I took over. So she was (rehabilitating) and getting ready for her 10^th grade year…had a very good sophomore year for us then came back and had a very good junior year and of course now she’s coming off another knee injury. We’re looking forward to her coming back this year and having a great year for us."

Hodges also has a quality colleges seek, according to Jordan.

"Kelsey has played all over the place," Jordan said. "(She’s) played everywhere on the field except catcher… sometimes I think she’s gotten frustrated she hasn’t settled into a spot but the thing about that is it shows a lot of versatility and I know at the collegiate level that’s what they look for."

After her knee injury, Hodges wasn’t sure if any college would take her but she told Radwitch she would work harder than ever to make sure she still had the opportunity to play in college, according to Radwitch.

"I’d rather a kid that works hard and happens to get injured than a kid who just doesn’t have the passion for the game," Radwitch said. "Kelsye is a strong hitter. She has a strong arm.

"I don’t know if she’s going to play infield or outfield for us at this point but I do see her being an asset to our team."

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: MHS softball player signs with Coastal Alabama