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Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2009

Bear signs with Camels

For Sarah Ling, the game is the thing.

“It’s the competitiveness — the excitement,” the Houston County senior said when asked why she loves softball. “You get those pressure situations. That’s my time to shine.”

Ling faced down plenty of pressure situations during her tenure at Houston County and as a travel-ball player with teams like the Georgia Heat and Atlanta Vipers. April 14, she locked down an opportunity to do the same as a collegiate athlete when she signed a letter of intent to continue her education and her softball career at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C.

Ling had offers from a host of institutions. She said she chose Campbell because it offers the opportunity to play Division I ball in the Atlantic Sun Conference. That means she’ll be able to come home to Georgia when the Camels play Mercer and Kennesaw State. She met several players on the current roster and said she got “a good vibe” from them. Most importantly perhaps, was the fact Campbell offered the best scholarship package.

As a prep star, Ling played a key role for the Lady Bears, helping them to three consecutive Region 1-AAAAA championships. This past season, Houston earned a No. 1 state ranking early in the season — a fastpitch first for any team in the county.

Ling batted .424 as a senior and drove in 54 runs. She also made her mark for versatility in the field.

She did duty at second base, third base and in the outfield. She said she prefers second, but appreciated the opportunity to see the game from different perspectives.

“All positions are important in the game,” she said. “You should always know how to play the other positions because you never know what your team might need you to do.”

The older of two children born to Reginald and Sonovia Ling, Sarah won’t turn 18 until late August, after she has departed for school. She said she has yet to decide on a college major, although it will likely have something to do with business.