Falkville High School softball player Jessie Thompson signed a letter of intent to play softball for Calhoun Community College on Monday afternoon. Seated with her, from left, are members of her family, sister Katie, mother Roxanne, father Frank and sister Bracy. Standing, from left, are head coach Christy Ferguson and assistant principal Keith Wilemon. | Clif Knight

Falkville High School pitcher/shortstop Jessie Thompson signed a letter of intent to play softball for Calhoun Community College on Monday afternoon.

She plans to enroll for classes in August and will compete for playing time at both positions. She has not yet decided on a major course of study.

“This is something I’ve dreamed about since I started playing softball when I was six years old.” Thompson said. “I like everything about the school. It has a competitive softball program, high academic standards and is close enough to home so that my family can come watch me play.”

“Jessie and her teammates faced a difficult challenge this past season, playing a tough, 51-game schedule,” said head coach Christy Ferguson. “She did everything we asked her to do. She’s prepared to play at the next level and she can make an impact in her freshman year.”

Thompson played on the varsity for five years and was a starting pitcher and shortstop for the past four years. She earned All-Morgan County and All-Class 2A Area, 15 honors for four straight years.

She batted at a .388 clip in her senior year and led her team in hits (59), singles (41) doubles (15), RBIs (23) and runs scored (28).

She was also her team’s most productive pitcher, striking out 125 batters in 206 innings. She had a 2.23 ERA and a 15-15 won-loss record.

“She was the ultimate example for all of the girls in softball,” Ferguson added.