The pipeline of athletes heading to the next level from Independence High School has been running full throttle the last few years.
Wednesday afternoon, three more Patriots had their dream of playing a collegiate sport come true.
Softball standouts Emma Lilly and Kassidy Bradberry signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Glenville State University, while baseball standout Orion Wills signed with Concord University.
One year removed from former Patriot Alli Hypes signing with the Pioneers, Independence head coach Ken Adkins was thrilled to see two more players head north.
“I was so tickled when I talked to (Glenville State University head) coach (Sara) Scoone and she said she was looking at both of them,” Adkins said. “She comes down to our camp each year, so she gets to see them practice. They played a couple of tournaments up at Glenville as well. She knows our program and Alli Hypes is up there. It makes it kind of easier when you know the kids will fit beforehand.”
“The special part about today is both of them have been with us since they were freshman,” Adkins went on to say. “You like seeing kids that you have developed along the way get an opportunity. I am tickled to death. No one is more deserving. They play hard and work hard. They are the right kind of players and the right kind of students.”
Lilly talked about the influence coach Scoone had on her decision to play at Glenville State.
“I really, really love coach. She always comes (down) and does the camp with us during the summer,” Lilly said. “I feel like I know her and I have a relationship with her. That makes it easier going in.”
Lilly has been a flexible player for the Patriots over her career, but will likely play in the outfield in college.
“I have always loved outfield more than anything else, honestly,” Lilly said. “I feel like people don’t appreciate those positions enough. I know as a pitcher I sure do.”
The future Pioneer is also coming off of a strong junior season which included a one-hit shutout over Beckley and a home run in the sectional championship final against Shady Spring.
“Emma had a great year last year and she is just clutch in everything she does. She makes big plays on defense and big plays on offense,” Adkins said. “She doesn’t let the moment get too big. Emma is a great lead by example person. I could call Emma today and she would be working on softball somewhere.”
Bradberry has been a steady player, holding down the second base position for Independence. She has also had some big moments in an Indy jersey including a huge effort in a regional win over Bluefield as a sophomore. Capping a five-run outburst in the bottom of the seventh inning, Bradbury drove in the tying run before scoring the game winner which sent the Patriots back to the state tournament.
“Kassidy has had big moments along the way as well,” Adkins said. “We have also asked her to do some things throughout her career. She hits in some different spots and has done some things on the bases that pushed the boundaries. She is that type of player where we can just plug her in a spot in the line-up. If we need someone to steal a base, or need a clutch hit, Kassidy is the player.”
While the day was special for all three Indy stars, it might have been just a little extra special for Bradberry.
“It means a lot,” Bradberry said. “I really didn’t think I was going to play softball in college, but it really means a lot to be able to do this. (Emma and I) have been together basically since birth. We have grown up together. It means a lot to do it with her. I (also) know a couple of people (up) there. I feel like I will be comfortable there.”
For Wills, the day also carried a little bit of family bragging rights. The Patriot right fielder signed ahead of two cousins, James Monroe stars Brady Baker (football) and Bryleigh Thomas (softball).
“It is a nice relief to get this off of my shoulders. I am the first in my family to sign for college, even though I am going to have some cousins that will follow up,” Wills said, smiling. “I am just really blessed to have this opportunity. Concord was always my number one. It is really great to have family and teammates around me when I did it.”
Just like the decision for Lilly and Bradberry, Concord was an easy choice for Wills.
“A lot of family has been at Concord. My uncle, my mom is an alumnus,” Wills said. “My dad has been there and it is not far from home. They have a program that I want to study and I have always been interested in business. It was a great fit.”
The highlight so far for Wills in his high school career was helping lead Independence to the Class AA state title game last year. He also had two hits and an RBI in the semifinal win over Winfield.
“I think Orion is a really strong offensive player. He has a nice short swing,” Independence head baseball coach Scott Cuthbert said. “We moved him to the outfield when he got here which really seemed to help. He really improved last year. He will go down there and work hard. Orion is a good athlete and puts the ball in play well.”
