Two Jena High School athletes signed their letters of intent to play softball and baseball at the next level during a signing ceremony held May 13 at the Jena Giants Fieldhouse.
Lady Giant shortstop and slugger Callie Decker will take her talents to Southeast Arkansas College to play softball for the Sharks. SAC is located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
The SEARK team is hoping Decker’s bat will bring much needed power to their lineup after posting a 17-31 record this past season.
Jena Giant catcher and one of their biggest bats Carson Willis will also head to Arkansas to continue his baseball career as he will play for the South Arkansas College Stars.
South Arkansas is located in El Dorado, Arkansas and the Stars also play in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Jena High Athletic Director Jay Roark noted that playing at the collegiate level is much different than years past.
“For most high school athletes, the best move is to play first at a junior college and get the development,” he said. “The big D1 schools are looking for players to step onto the field and play and usually allow them to develop in the junior college system before going to the D1 school.”
He noted that there are many examples of how the system has paid off for many current players at D1 schools and in the professional ranks.
Both Jena Lady Giants head softball coach Sarah Roark and Jena Giants head baseball coach Joe Hammett had great things to say about Decker and Willis and were proud of their opportunity to take their skills to the next level.
Decker helped lead the Lady Giants to the state semifinals this season and she was named to the All-District 2-3A First Team as shortstop.
Willis helped the Jena Giants advance to the second round of the state playoffs and he was also named to the All-District 2-3A First Team as utility player, as he played catcher and other infield positions.
Congratulations to Callie Decker and Carson Willis on continuing their playing careers to the next level.
