PREP SOFTBALL: West Point’s Campbell signs with Judson

Published 3:18 pm Tuesday, April 7, 2015

WEST POINT — West Point softball is the gift that keeps on giving for in-state college programs.

The Lady Warriors assembled in the high school library for the team’s third signing in nearly three months, shifting the spotlight to Darana Campbell Tuesday as she cemented her commitment to Judson College.

The senior was surrounded by family, coaches, teammates and Judson representatives as she supplied the required autographs to officially join the Eagles.

It was a day Campbell had dreamed of since she was 4 and first understood softball doesn’t necessarily have to end after high school.

“I’m very excited to be able to play college ball,” said the varsity veteran, still somehow able to smile after dutifully flashing her pearly whites for an extensive photo shoot.

Campbell credited her initial interest and recruitment in the girls Christian college to Kevin Bishop, a sports writer for the Cullman Tribune and local Judson rep. Bishop helped arrange a tryout, and Campbell made the two-hour drive south for an overnight stay and tour of campus.

She was instantly hooked.

“It was an amazing school,” she said. “It’s a gorgeous school. I loved it down there.”

Though excitement best describes Campbell’s feelings towards her future college, bittersweet is more like it as she nears the end of an enjoyable prep career. Before soon saying so long to the teammates, coaches and friends she’s gathered along the way, Campbell plans to collect a second straight county tournament title and make a deep playoff run.

No matter what, she’s sure to have fun. Campbell always has in the West Point softball program.

“It has meant the entire world to me,” she said. “Honestly, it’s another family for me. I love every single girl and every coach. They’re amazing.”

Mallory Walker started the Lady Warriors’ senior signing spree by submitting her letter of intent to Snead State in January. Karra Elam followed suit by inking with Wallace State a week later.

Campbell called it a “huge deal” to be part of such a successful class.

“Every single one of us is talented in different ways,” she said. “Some are better than others, but hey, I love every single one of them.”

The love is mutual from West Point coach Kevin Sullins, who referred to Campbell as “country strong” — she has two home runs this year and 15 or 16 for her career — and “one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever had.”

That’s quite the praise from a man who’s been in the business going on 13 years now.

“It’s a great day for Darana. It’s a great day for our program,” Sullins said. “This is a goal she set. She’s put in the extra time outside of normal practice to get better. She has such a great, positive outlook on life. She’s going to be a great addition to Judson.”

Sullins has almost had to spend as much time planning signing ceremonies these past three months as he has coaching the Lady Warriors — but he isn’t complaining.

He’s seen these three signings coming since Elam stepped onto the varsity scene as a seventh-grader and Walker and Campbell earned the promotion as eighth-graders.

“It’s just finally come to fruition what they wanted to do,” Sullins said. “They wanted to play college ball, so we’ve done everything we can do to help them.”