Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
Two girls from the Marbury High School softball program have signed letters of intent to extend their athletic career past high school and to play at the collegiate level. Teammates Elizabeth Woodfin and Sara Roeten signed their letters last week as they go into their last season as a Marbury Bulldog.
“Both of these young ladies have worked very hard to create this opportunity for themselves. Both of them are very driven and focused on their goals. I know they both will be very successful at the next level, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes them,” Marbury High School’s Head Softball Coach Jason Easterling said.
Woodfin has committed to play at Florida Southwestern State College, where Woodfin stated that this moment means a lot to her because of the hard work and dedication she has put into the game she loves.
“I’ve worked my whole life to have the opportunity to play at the next level, so to be able to sign proves that hard work does pay off. This is a dream come true for me,” Woodfin said.
Woodfin is primarily a pitcher, but her secondary position is 3rd base. Woodfin stated she is extremely excited to have the opportunity to play college ball and to continue playing a sport that she adores.
“Softball is my favorite sport, and I am so thankful that God has blessed me with the ability to continue to play,” Woodfin said.
Woodfin stated that her most memorable moment in her high school athletic career was actually her sophomore year when the Marbury Bulldogs overtook Tallassee in order to make it to the state tournament for the first time in years.
“The excitement when we won was the best thing ever and if I could relive that moment I would,” Woodfin said.
Roeten has committed to play at Southern Union Community College, where she stated that this opportunity means everything to her.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to play softball in college. This is a huge step I get to take in life, and I am blessed for this opportunity,” Roeten said.
Roeten said she is not only excited to be a collegiate athlete, but she’s also excited to take her game to the next level and for the atmosphere and competition. Roeten said that her collegiate coach is nothing short of amazing and she’s thrilled to have the opportunity to play for her at the next level.
With Woodfin and Roeten being on the same Marbury team for the last four years, Roeten said that her most memorable moment was also her sophomore year.
“My entire sophomore year was unforgettable. The team we had, we had a bond like no other. That was also the first year we made it to state, and it was definitely such an uplifting experience. I loved all the girls, and we played with our hearts that year,” Roeten said.
While the girls will forever be blue and a Marbury Bulldog at heart, taking the next step to continue their athletic careers is the ultimate dream for them both.
“We get into coaching for the love of sport, but we stay in it for the love of kids. To me, having players continue their game at the collegiate level signifies a critical and exciting milestone in their athletic journey. It represents a combination of their hard work, talent and dedication paying off, and offers an opportunity for personal and athletic growth,” Easterling said.
Photos courtesy of Coach Jason Easterling
