By Michael Lindsay
Stone Memorial High School senior Kara VonAchen will be taking her softball talents to the next level as she signed with Lander University Friday afternoon.
“I’m so excited,” VonAchen said. “It’s a good opportunity to be able to play at the collegiate level. Ever since I was little, I’ve known I always wanted to play college softball.”
Lander University is an NCAA Division II program located in Greenwood, SC, and competes in the Peach Belt Conference.
“It’s about 5 hours from here and I love the school,” VonAchen said. “I absolutely love the coaches; they were a big reason why I want to go there.
“I was playing in a tournament and (Lander head coach Maddie Gibbs) came and watched me,” VonAchen added. “She messaged me that night and the next week I went on a visit.”
VonAchen was an All-District 7-3A selection last season for the Lady Panthers and is expected to play first base or in the outfield for the Bearcats.
“My ability to hit was big,” she said. “Last season, I batted around .550 and had 7 home runs. Everything kind of clicked.”
Her playing career began at Coalfield before moving to Stone Memorial for her sophomore season.
“Playing basketball definitely helped,” she said on getting acclimated to a new school. “The basketball and softball teams were really welcoming as soon as I came in.”
VonAchen’s journey to college softball came with some help along the way.
“My dad and pa have helped me tremendously,” she said. “They always take me down to the field and hit with me. My hitting coach, Nate Headley, definitely helped. Kelly McDaniel, my travel coach, helped me get in contact with all these coaches.”
VonAchen’s goals for her freshman season at Lander are simple.
“I definitely want to be a good teammate, even if I don’t get to play,” she said. “I’ll have to work hard to be able to play my freshman year.”
VonAchen still has her senior season with Stone Memorial remaining before beginning with Lander.
“I’m excited to just relax and be able to play without worrying about being recruited,” she said. “I want to be a good leader and good example to the younger girls. I think we’ll do really well this year.”
