Itta Bena, Miss. – The Mississippi Valley State University softball team announces the addition of four incoming student-athletes for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. Head Coach Lee Smith announced the signings earlier this month.
Coach Smith and his staff would like to thank the Office of Admissions and the Valley Family for their continued support during the recruiting process.
(Listed below are the incoming student-athletes and their accomplishments)
Shelby Nichole Carson
Hometown: Raymond, Mississippi
High School: Raymond High School
Travel team: N/A
Position(s): Short Stop and 3
rd Base
Athletic Accomplishments:
Mississippi High School Athletic Association 2015-2019
Slow Pitch Mississippi High School Athletic (MHSAA) All-Star South Team Player -Starting 3
rd Base Winning Team 2019
4x All District Fast Pitch Softball 2015-2019
4x All District Slow Pitch Softball 2016-2019
Raymond High School Athletics 2015-2019
Best Offensive Player Fast Pitch Softball 2017-2019
Best Offensive Player Slow Pitch Softball 2017-2019
Best Defensive Player Fast Pitch Softball 2018-2019
Best Defensive Player Slow Pitch Softball 2018-2019
MVP Fast Pitch Softball 2018-2019
MVP Slow Pitch Softball 2018-2019
Under Armor National Team Member 2016-2017
Oklahoma-2016
Vero Beach-2017
Raymond High School Basketball
All Conference Raymond High School Basketball Team 2016
AAU Athletics
2
nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do; 1
st Place Regionals 2007-2010
Academic Accomplishments:
Honor Student Hinds County School District – Raymond High School Honors Graduate (Grades 1
st –
12
th Grade)
Current GPA- 3.243
Junior Page – Mississippi Senate -2019, 2020
Student Assistant - Tatum and Wade Law Firm, Jackson, Mississippi; Summer 2019 –Present
Junior Page – Mississippi House of Representatives -2017-2020
Mississippi Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF) Region II Science Fair - Jackson State University Class I; 1
st Place Winner Best of Fair 2011
Fun Fact: Father played baseball at Mississippi Valley State.
Why did I choose to come to Mississippi Valley State University?
I love the family atmosphere I experienced when I was on campus!
What does it mean to be a Devilette?
I am so honored to be a part of a University that cares and has such a strong bond between students, and it feels like one large family.
Bailey Nicole Sanders
Hometown: Decaturville, Tennessee
High School: Riverside High School
Travel Team: Lady Jaxx Jimmerson
Position: OF/RHP
Athletic Achievements:
All District: 2018 and 2019
All West Tennessee 2019
All State 2019
2019 Buffalo River Springfest Tournament Most Valuable Player
Batting Average: .517
Pitching: WHIP 1.22, ERA 2.70, and 440 career strikeouts
Fielding Percentage: .909
Academic Achievements:
Jr. Beta Vice President 2018-2019
Sr. Beta President 2019-2020
History Club Vice President 2018-2019
History Club President 2019-2020
Freshman Class Reporter 2016-2017
Senior Class Reporter 2019-2020
2019-2020 Most Intellectual
Library Assistant 2016-2020
FFA Jr. Secretary 2017-2018 and 2018-2019
Student Council Representative 2017-2018
Freshman Year: Web Design Highest Average Award
Sophomore Year: Spanish 1 and English 2 Honors Highest Average Award
Junior Year: Chemistry 2 and English 3 Honors Highest Average Award
Senior Year: English lV Dual Credit and Personal Finance Highest Average
National Society for High School Scholars Member
Fun Fact: Sanders was the Salutatorian of her high school class.
Why did you choose to come to Mississippi Valley State University?
The main reason why I chose Mississippi Valley State is because of my intended major, Pre-Law, and it is an HBCU, not to mention the whole atmosphere of the campus was amazing. I felt right at home.
What does it mean to be a Devilette?
Being a Devilette means to always persevere through the tough times because you know that you have a team that will always stand for each other and work together to accomplish a goal.
Kathleen Sims
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
High School: Whitehaven High School
Travel Team: MS Bombers
Position(s): Second, Short Stop
Stats: Batting Average- .580, Fielding Percentage- 800
Athletic Accomplishments: 3 Time Back to Back SCIAA MVP, 1st Team All District
Academic Accomplishments: 4-year honor roll student, student council member, DECA member, national science honor society member, national honor society, prestigious black card member
Fun Fact: Uncle, Kenneth Milton is the former band director for the Mean Green Marching Machine.
Why did you choose to come to Mississippi Valley State University?
I chose to go to Mississippi Valley State University because I've always had the dream of going to a Division 1, top notch college. Mississippi Valley has always been one of my top schools and when I was offered, I was thrilled to accept. I can tell that the coaches care about their players genuinely and are willing to not only focus on softball, but education as well. Also, as an academic scholar and an athlete, I felt that MVSU was the perfect fit for me.
What does it mean to you to be a Devilette?
It means to show character and at all times, and to make my school proud. I am a leader and I feel as if that's what Devilettes do, lead.
Olivia Marie Vargas
Hometown: Fillmore, CA
High School: Buena Ventura High School
Travel Team: California Aces
Position(s): Short Stop, 3rd base
Stats: Batting Average 407, Fielding Percentage 1,00
Athletic Accomplishments: First team All-league, CIF Championship
Fun Fact: Father (Rogelio Vargas) and Uncle (Fernando Vargas) were both professional boxers. Fernando Vargas is known for his heated rivalries against Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosely, and Ricardo Mayorga.
Why did you choose to come to Mississippi Valley State University?
Looking for change, and a more diverse atmosphere.
What does it mean to you to be a Devilette?
It is an honor to be apart of a Division I program and continue my education, while playing a sport that I am passionate about.
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