Charles Henderson High School shortstop Becca Hartley knew she wanted to play college softball, but she also wanted to enjoy her senior season on the diamond. She wanted it to be free of distractions and the stress that comes with the recruiting process.

Hartley did just that on Monday afternoon, signing a National Letter of Intent to play for Troy University.

“It has been stressful. I was definitely going to sign with Troy, it was just a matter of when I was going to sign,” Hartley said. “I wanted to go ahead and get it out of the way.”

Monday was the last day for prospective NCAA student-athletes in all sports other than football to sign in the early signing period.

For some athletes, the decision to stay close to home or move away is a tough choice. The same was true for Hartley, but in the end, she felt Troy was where she needed to be.

“Going of to play in tournament and camps, I came to realize that I really love it in Troy. I’m really excited to stay and play four more years here,” Hartley said.

Charles Henderson softball head coach Robin Snyder spoke highly of Hartley.

“Troy is getting a great player with a great work ethic. That’s the one thing she has over most other athletes,” Snyder said.

“She would practice at 6 a.m. before she went to work during the summer. She is always willing to stay late or come early. Not only does she have talent on the field, but is talented off the field.”

Hartley ranks third in her class at Charles Henderson and has a 4.7 GPA.

In a release by Troy, head coach Melanie Davis said bringing in local talent is good for the program.

“It is always exciting to bring a local talent on board and with Becca’s addition to the other five members of the 2013 class, makes me further certain that this is potentially one of the strongest classes put together in the 20 year history of Troy softball,” Davis said.

Last season as a junior for Charles Henderson, Hartley batted .537 with four home runs and 22 RBIs. Her sophomore year she hit at a .462 clip with nine homers and 28 RBIs.