Tiger softball players sign with Calhoun
Chelsea Bennich (left) and Leah Robinson sign their letters of intent to play softball for Calhoun Community College. | Clif Knight
Two Hartselle High School seniors who have been bound together by a close friendship since kindergarten won’t part company when they graduate in May.
Chelsea Bennich and Leah Robinson both signed letters of intent to play softball at Calhoun Community College in 2012. They repeated the signing Friday at a reception given in their honor in the school cafeteria.
Bennich, daughter of Sport and Susan Bennich, is a two-year varsity player who played in the outfield and was a designated hitter last season. She is expected to move to third base when the season begins in February.
Robinson, daughter of Dale Robinson and Melissa Robinson is also a two-year varsity player who is expected to move to second base this season.
Both started playing together in Dixie Youth Softball when they were 6 years old. They have played on Dixie state championship teams and competed for state championship titles for the past two years.
“These two are selfless, team players, and that speaks volumes for both of them.” said Hartselle head softball coach Daniel Bates. “Last year, we asked them to play at positions they were not used to playing and they did it with a smile. They have always been team players.
“I think it’s a tremendous boost to our program to have these two and three other seniors go one to play at the college level,” Bates added. “I’m confident they are going to have good senior seasons and will represent their school and community well as players at the next level.”
Robinson, however, isn’t looking ahead to college just yet.
“I’m excited about having the opportunity to play on the college level,” Robinson said, “but first I want to have a good season and help out team win a state championship.”
Bennich said she’s looking forward to have her teammate for two more years.
“I feel comfortable playing at Calhoun especially since we’re still going to be teammates,” Bennich stated. “I don’t know what it would be like not to have Leah on the team.”
