Three North Pike High School student-athletes signed letters of intent Friday to continue their athletic careers at the college level next year.
Reed Taylor of the Jaguars’ baseball team, and McKenzie Brock and Jana McEwen of the softball team all made their plans for the fall official on Friday afternoon in the school’s library, surrounded by family and coaches, as well as North Pike Athletic Director Darryl Brock.
Taylor signed to play baseball for Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson beginning in August, admitting it is an opportunity he has been looking forward to since he began playing the game as a boy.
“It’s not every day you get to sign with a college to play baseball,” Taylor said. “I’m excited to get to keep on playing (next year).”
Joining Taylor in Wesson will be Brock, who will play the outfield for the softball team.
“We’re glad to have McKenzie join us,” Co-Lin softball coach Allen Kent said in a release announcing Brock’s plans to sign with the Lady Wolves. “She brings a lot of speed to the table with her. She’s very athletic and covers a lot of ground in the outfield. McKenzie is instinctive and gets a great jump on the ball.”
Brock recalled fond memories of her career at North Pike and the thrilling moments she shared with her teammates both on and off the field. She spoke about the overnight tournaments the Lady Jags competed in, and the bonding she experienced with her teammates on those long road trips and hotel stays.
“Just hanging out with the girls and having fun, that’s what I will remember,” Brock said of her North Pike career, adding she will always value the life lessons she learned from her coaches along the way as well.
“To follow in the footsteps of others who represented North Pike in college is exciting,” Brock said. “I know I will represent well.”
McEwen will remain in Summit next school year when she dons the red and blue of Southwest Mississippi Community College. She expressed pride in earning the opportunity to compete at the college level, and said it will be an honor to represent the North Pike softball program at Southwest next year.
“My teammates have helped me become who I am right now. They helped me get this chance at Southwest,” McEwen said. “My coaches helped me to become the softball player I am right now, and they helped me get here, too.”
All three student-athletes will continue to compete for the Jaguars this spring before graduating in May.
