West Point's Molly Pendley, front and center, signs a softball scholarship with Snead State Community College on Wednesday. She is joined up front by her brother, TB, and her mother, Jenny. Standing (from left to right) is Snead State coach Tracy Grindrod and her father, Eric.

Molly Pendley sported a smile that stretched from ear to ear on Wednesday.

For good reason, too.

The West Point standout — surrounded by family, friends, teammates, coaches and administrators inside the high school library — signed a softball scholarship with Snead State Community College, where she’ll officially join coach Tracy Grindrod’s program in the fall of 2020.

“I’m very excited,” Pendley said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and thankful for my parents and thankful for all the support from my family and teammates. I love the atmosphere at Snead State. I love the players who are there now, and I love coach Tracy. He’s a really good Christian guy.”

Pendley has been an accomplished hitter throughout her career with the Lady Warriors.

Heading into her senior campaign, she’s compiled a .400 batting average, .491 on-base percentage, .642 slugging percentage and 1.090 OPS.

She’s notched 179 hits, 132 RBIs, 54 doubles, 15 home runs and five triples in 448 at-bats as well.

As a junior, Pendley helped West Point earn its sixth straight Cullman County Tournament crown en route to securing All-County and All-Area honors.

“She’s an awesome kid who has put in the work,” coach Steven Harbison said. “Not just at practice but in the classroom. She’s always been a great softball player, but she’s really matured as a young adult. She’s become a great leader for us.”

Pendley’s father, Eric, coached West Point through her freshman season.

Since then, he has assisted with the program and helped guide his daughter down her chosen path.

Along the way, he has marveled at her growth and maturation — and taken to heart at valuable lesson.

“The last year and a half, I’ve realized I’m Molly’s dad and not her coach,” he said. “I’ve seen her mature the last year and a half. Her work ethic … she’s hit the gym three or four times a week on her own. I have no fear of her moving off and going to school. I understand what sports have taught Molly. And that’s hard work is going to get her where she needs to go. She’s persevered and been through adversity. She’s tasted defeat, and she hates it. It’s tough being a dad and a coach, but I have to realize that I’m always Molly’s dad. She needs her dad … and it’s been a fun ride.”

As for the season ahead, Molly Pendley is hoping to go out with a bang.

“I’d like to set records and be a good teammate,” she said. “Oh, and I’d like to win county again.”