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MICHAEL DANN/Ledger & Times photo
Kalyn Fox signs her name on the dotted line Thursday as she committed to play softball for Eastern Kentucky University. Joining Fox was her father, Tom (left), mother, Kathy (right), and brother, Ryan, as well as, head coach James Pigg, assistant coach Eddie Morris, athletics director Bill Cowan and principal Yvette Pyle. |
Fox signs to play softball at Eastern Ky.
By MICHAEL DANN
Sports Writer
When Kalyn Fox helped bring the dream of a state championship to reality last June for Calloway County High School, it was the second team championship for the Laker athletic program.
It was also a dream come true for 19 girls, including Fox, who helped hoist the state fast-pitch softball trophy high in the early-morning air that Sunday.
Almost a year later, Fox is making another dream come true. She signed her name on the dotted line Wednesday, committing to the Eastern Kentucky University softball program. She's the first Lady Laker to sign to play collegiate softball in the program's 11 years.
Her dream started as a fourth-grader, when Fox's dad, Tom, started the West Kentucky Chaos - a 10-and-under traveling team that introduced her to fast-pitch softball for the first time. Since then, Fox has basically eaten, breathed and slept softball.
Eleven years later, Fox has started off this season with a 7-2 record with a 0.20 ERA. She has tossed two no-hitters and five shutouts in 42 innings thus far.
As if that wasn't enough, Fox has struck out an eye-popping 725 batters since she took the mound as a freshman three years ago.
But as impressive as those statistics are, one that might be easily overlooked is Fox's 4.0 grade-point average. It's something that's just as important to the senior as groundballs and changeups.
Yet, the 5-foot-10 fireballer's demeanor can sometimes leave her looking as sly as Š a Fox.
"Today is the culmination of why we have worked so hard, so that we could get to the position that we are in today," Fox said. "I tasted success at the state tournament, and I knew that one way I could get it again was to work hard and find a way to help me get my education paid for."
Fox will major in business at Eastern Kentucky University, located in Richmond. While playing for Jane Worthington and the Lady Colonels, Fox will resume her role as a pitcher and possibly play the outfield.
"One reason why I choose Eastern Kentucky was because it felt like home away from home," she said. "I really liked the campus and the facilities, but I also wanted to go where I would get a good education. I want to have a great education and a good job so I can help support myself and my family."
Fox had a handful of colleges from which to chose, including fellow Ohio Valley Conference school Austin Peay. Fox also looked into Gardner-Webb and a few schools in Indiana and North Carolina.
Even with a state championship, Fox didn't wait for coaches to come to her. The first time EKU's pitching staff saw Fox pitch was during the Rising Star Showcase in Plantation, Fla., this past fall. That eventually led to the Colonels recruiting her.
"Being from Kentucky doesn't peak a lot of immediate interest from programs and coaches," Fox said. "They tend to think that because our state's programs started so much later than everyone else that we can't compete. But I think we are starting to catch up.
"I made it an effort to go to where the coaches were going to be and not just expect them to come to me."
In Calloway County, Fox leaves behind a legacy that will be unmatched.
Last year alone, Fox was Most Valuable Player of the state tournament and received the Marine Corp. Sportsmanship Award.
Fox was named to the First Team All-State in Class 3A and earned all-region and all-district honors. Academically, Fox has garnered First Team All-State academic honors, as well.
"I feel like I am sending one of my own off to college," said head coach James Pigg, who has coached Fox since she was in the sixth grade.
"She's worked really hard and has done a tremendous job in the process of promoting the program and the school in the same manner. It just goes to show what hard work and determination can do for you."
Story created Apr 22, 2005 - 11:46:56 EDT.
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