By Ryan Davenport, WSON Sports Correspondent 

On Tuesday afternoon, November 21st, Colonel’s senior softball player Hallie McCracken signed to continue her academic and athletic career for the Oakland City University Mighty Oaks.

McCracken talked about why Oakland City University was the best fit for her, “I think after the process of just looking and talking to coaches it just really what made me feel most comfortable. Then I went up there to a camp and all the girls were really welcoming and I actually knew a few of them, so it just felt like the most like home to me.”

 

McCracken discussed her academic plans while attending Oakland City University, “Well I want to be in the medical field so I’m planning on doing a biology pre-med major and minoring in chemistry.” 

 

McCracken discussed how it feels to be officially signed to be a college softball player now, “I think it’s kind of a relief that the process is finally over because I’ve been dreaming about this for so long and now that it’s finally happened it’s kind of crazy.”

 

McCracken talked about who she wanted to thank that made this day possible, “There’s a lot. So my parents for getting me here and all the travel ball hours and I guess money and everything. Then I’d really like to thank Shannon Troutman, our high school coach, who has also been my coach since I was 7 (years old). He’s really helped this process, introduce me to Oakland City, and everything else and then just all my friends and other family because they really pushed me to this point in my life.” 

 

McCracken discussed what attracted her to want to play college softball at Oakland City University, “Well the fact it felt like home I guess and then just the coach, he was really welcoming and made it feel more like I was at home and just I think it’s where I’m best going to fit.”

 

McCracken discussed her personal goals she wants to accomplish in her senior season and the team’s goals this upcoming 2024 softball season, “Personal goals I guess is just to stay on top of things, work extra hard this season and hopefully come out with a different outcome than last year. Then team goals, hopefully a state championship and then for all of us to stayed connected because we are a super close team and I really love that about Henderson County.”

 

In her junior year, Hallie had 44 hits, led the team with 57 RBI’s, 12 doubles, 3 triples, 7 home runs, and a batting average of .379.