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Makenzie Eberly, a senior third baseman at Pine Creek High School, has committed to continue her academic and athletic career at Truett McConnell University (TMU) in Georgia.
But her commitment to the private Baptist college represents more than just an opportunity to play softball at the next level.
"I really like the competition down south and I always wanted to be apart of that. I never really knew if I'd get that opportunity, so, once I got it, I thought that was awesome," said Eberly. "Comparably to the (other) schools, I think that Truett has a really competitive program and I love to be apart of that. I want to be apart of a winning squad and I want to feel that pressure."
Eberly will join the Bears program following in the footsteps of her older cousin, Reece, who played baseball at TMU as a freshman before a tragic car accident changed his life forever.
Reece served as a role model for Eberly throughout her childhood, inspiring her athletic pursuits and now her college choice.
"After his freshman year he got into a pretty gnarly car accident. After that tragedy he couldn't walk, couldn't talk, and he's now wheelchair bound," said Eberly. "The doctors gave him a pretty low survival rate. He's good today, but like I said, he's wheelchair bound so it's a strong honor to be able to play through him when he can't anymore."
For Eberly, the opportunity to play college softball represents the fulfillment of a childhood dream.
"As a little girl I always wanted to go play with the big girls, so, I thought it was really cool to be able to have that opportunity," she said. "I couldn't be more thrilled to be able to do it through (Reece) and Christ."
Eberly said she's excited to join the Bears program and looks forward to becoming part of a new community while having Reece as part of her journey.
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About Athlete of the Week
News5 works to honor the high school Athlete of the Week throughout the school year in our Wednesday evening newscasts. We’re looking for that special teen who is working hard and playing right all while making parents and coaches proud.
Nominate your Athlete of the Week today! See our current and past athletes of the week, click here.
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