With school now back in session, three senior Charles Henderson Trojan softball players had reason to celebrate on Thursday. Sydni Garrett, Emma Kirkpatrick and Graci Williams all committed to play softball at the collegiate level.

Sydni Garrett committed to play softball at Chipola College in Marianna Florida. Williams has committed to Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia and Kirkpatrick will head up to Montgomery to play for Huntingdon College.

“It’s always good to see hard work that the girls put in pay off for them,” said Charles Henderson head coach Robin Snyder. “Each of these three girls have worked hard to try and plat at the next level and they are seeing that hard work pays off.”

Garrett arrived at Charles Henderson prior to her junior season. She began high school in Goshen. As a junior, Garrett pitched 91 innings for the Trojans with a 3.40 ERA and struck out 206 batters in 222 innings. At the plate, Garrett hit .275 with 2 home runs and 27 RBI.

“She is not only a good pitcher, she is also a good fielder and a good hitter,” Snyder said. “I think she has an opportunity to hit at the next level and offer playing time at other positions. I think her top thing is pitching.”

Playing multiple positions is a common thread for these three players. It’s something that helped them get this opportunity to play at the next level.

“That is something that we encourage all of our girls to do,” Snyder said. “That makes them more valuable to these colleges because colleges are limited with their scholarships and they may need someone to pitch, but also to play first base or the outfield.”

Williams batted .343 with 32 RBI for the Trojans. She spent most of her time behind the plate at catcher, but also played other positions.

“She played travel ball this summer and played shortstop,” Snyder said. “She can play second and the outfield.”

Kirkpatrick pitched to a 4.22 ERA this past season. At the plate, she batted .374 with 4 home runs and 27 RBI.

“Her pitching, her outfield play and her bat, she was also a consistent bat for us,” Snyder said. “She played a very good outfield for us and made very few errors. When she had the opportunity to pitch, she always did a good job.”

All three players will be back for their senior seasons and will have the opportunity to show the other players what it takes to advance to the next level.

“It’s a very good feeling for our program,” Snyder said. “It gives these girls the opportunity to see that with hard work will pay off if they get out there and work hard. If hard work is put in, they can reap benefits from it.”

Although the dates for the official signing day have not been announced, Snyder believes all three girls will officially sign sometime in November.