Arin Eddy signed a letter of intent to play golf for Samford University Monday afternoon. Seated with her are, from left, her parents, Chris and Melissa Eddy, and Samford women’s head golf coach Brooke Valente. Standing, from left, are assistant principal Bob Young, athletic director Johnny Berry, head girls golf coach Gary Orr and principal Jeff Hyche. | Clif Knight

Hartselle High School senior Arin Eddy, a member of four consecutive Class 5A State Championship girls golf teams, has signed a letter of intent to play golf for Samford University.

She made her choice official on Monday afternoon at a signing and reception in the school cafeteria. Extending congratulations and best wishes were her coaches, teammates, family members and fellow senior athletes.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to coach Arin,” said head girls golf coach Gary Orr. “She’s not only a great golfer but a good student as well. We’re proud of her for her accomplishments and wish her well in her collegiate golf career.”

Eddy was a consistent 70s scorer and made the All-State golf team as a junior. She shot a career best 69 in a sub-state playoff tournament last season.

Eddy said she was sold on Samford after making visits to the campus and meeting its women golfers.

“They are really good players and I’m blessed to be able to play with them,” she said.

“I’m really excited about having her play for Samford,” said head women’s golf coach Brooke Valente. “Her ability to persevere on the golf course is amazing. She’s a good fit for our program.”

Valente said Samford, a Division I school, is on the rise in women’s collegiate golf. Her team started last season ranked 205th in the nation and finished the season ranked 95th.

Eddy is one of three freshmen recruits who will join the Lady Bulldogs in 2013.

“When I coached Arin as a 10-year-old I could tell she had the potential to be an outstanding golfer,” said Wayne Cobb of the Terri Pine Golf Club in Cullman . “She always gave me her undivided attention. When I would tell her something, I knew she would let it sink in and repeat it to her mother on their way home.

“Her willingness to sacrifice, work hard and never give up is what enabled her to become the golfer she is today,” he added.