AHOSKIE – Mary Kate Morris has been pitching most of her life.

She’ll continue that next year after signing to attend Pitt Community College and play softball for the Bulldogs Wednesday.

“I felt like it was a privilege to be able to play there,” Morris said. “They have a good softball team and I know I can learn a lot from Coach (Junior) Bailey.”

Morris has been a standout pitcher at Ridgecroft School during her four-year career with the Rams. Despite missing much of her sophomore season due to injury, Morris recorded 600-plus strikeouts during her career.

She has been named All-Tarheel Independent Conference twice and All-NCISAA two times.

Morris said she liked the fact that Pitt Community wasn’t far from her home in Gates County and that she felt like she could do well there.

“It’s not far from home and I also like the fact that after my two years there, I’ll hopefully have a chance to move on from there,” she said.

During her time at Ridgecroft, Morris said she had learned teamwork and leadership and that she would take that to PCC.

“I’ve learned to become close with my team and to show leadership and sportsmanship,” Morris said.

Ridgecroft Head Softball Coach Nichole Hughes said she thought PCC was getting a quality pitcher.

“They have a good team and a great background,” Hughes said. “It will give her an opportunity to see softball at a higher level.”

Hughes said Morris has been an excellent pitcher at Ridgecroft and had meant a lot to her team.

“She’s been our number one pitcher for three years and we’ll miss her dearly,” Hughes said. “This year she has had to step up and lead by example as well as on the mound and has done a good job of it.”

Hughes also said Morris was always ready for a challenge and that would help her at Pitt.

As for next season, Morris said she was going to do everything she could to prove she deserves her scholarship.

“I’m going to give it all I have and hope to earn my spot on the team,” Morris said.