Reynolds Signs With Heartland Community College

RICK PECK MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Kelsy Reynolds (front row, second from left) signs a letter of intent to play softball at Heartland Community College in Normal, Ill. Front row, left to right: Haylee Hodson (friend), Reynolds, Paula Higgins (mom) and Dinah McCall (former MCHS softball coach). Back row: Lee Smith (assistant MCHS softball coach) and Tracy Hodson (friend).
RICK PECK MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS Kelsy Reynolds (front row, second from left) signs a letter of intent to play softball at Heartland Community College in Normal, Ill. Front row, left to right: Haylee Hodson (friend), Reynolds, Paula Higgins (mom) and Dinah McCall (former MCHS softball coach). Back row: Lee Smith (assistant MCHS softball coach) and Tracy Hodson (friend).

The third member of the McDonald County Lady Mustang softball team that finished the season with a 23-4 record has signed a national letter of intent to continue her softball career at the collegiate level.

Kelsy Reynolds, the Lady Mustangs hard-hitting and slick-fielding second baseman, signed her letter Friday with Heartland Community College in Normal, Ill.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to play college ball," Reynolds said. "I started playing when I was five and have played every fall and summer since then."

Reynolds hit an impressive .444 as a senior, driving in 32 runs. She was named to the All-District first team for the second consecutive year after being named to the second team as a sophomore. She was also named to the All-Region second team as a junior and senior and was the Lady Mustang's MVP this past season.

"Kelsy was such a huge part of our team this year," said Lady Mustang coach Tray Shaddox. "Hitting for a tremendous average, driving in runs, running the bases and scoring runs. he shattered the team record for runs scored in a season. The played terrific defense at second base as well.

Reynolds said Heartland contacted her in December about playing for the Hawks. She visited the campus shortly after that.

"It was really comfortable for me there," Reynolds said. "I felt like this is a good starting point to begin my education and softball career. After two years here, I plan on going on to Missouri State."

The education part is important to Reynolds, who has been named academic all-state three times as a member of the Lady Mustangs. She plans to major in pediatric nursing.

"Kelsy will be successful at the collegiate level," Shaddox said. "She is an extremely hard worker and an outstanding young lady."

In addition to playing with the Lady Mustangs, Reynolds has played summer ball with the Tulsa Shootout. In fact, she begins her 2014 "summer" schedule with a tournament this coming weekend in St. Joseph.

"I want to thank my mom and step-dad (Paula and the late Brian Higgins) who have always been there for me," Reynolds said. "They took the time to take me to all the places I have went to play ball."

Reynolds said she is looking forward to college ball, but will miss the teammates and friendships she made in high school at McDonald County.

"I had a great life here meeting all the new people," Reynolds said. "I will definitely miss being in McDonald County and seeing everybody."

Reynolds joins Kali Hodson and Stormy Christerson as members of the Lady Mustangs to sign a letter of intent to play softball at the collegiate level.

Sports on 01/30/2014