Photo by Stacy Leake From left, SMCC assistant coach Hali Reed, head coach Kris Smith, Kayci Beth Wallace (seated) and assistant coach Candace McDowell.

Bogue Chitto senior Kayci Beth Wallace has long been one of the best leadoff batters in the area and now she has a college home. Wallace recently signed a letter-of-intent to continue her playing career at Southwest Mississippi C.C. in Summit.

The speedy Wallace was a Daily Leader All-Area selection as a sophomore and would have been a strong candidate to repeat as a junior had COVID-19 not prematurely ended the season.

She’s a multi-sport standout who started at point guard on the basketball court, led the soccer team in goals scored as well as being a member of the cheer squad.

“Southwest is getting a smart, versatile player,” said BC coach Kris Smith. “Kayci Beth can play any position on defense and play it well. She’s also an excellent base runner and a very good hitter.”

Through 10 games this season as a senior Wallace has 16 hits and has driven in seven runs.

“She’s always been a threat at the plate with her short game, but this year she’s added a power-slap to her resume that’s made her even more dangerous,” said Smith.

Southwest is currently 17-9 on the season and 9-7 in MACCC division play. Shea Johnson is a sixth-year head coach at SMCC and is assisted by Hannah Price. Southwest has a pair of local products on their roster this season in sophomore Morgan Smith (Brookhaven Academy) and freshman Anna Claire Crow (Wesson).

“Kayci Beth is a hard worker that will do whatever is asked of her — Southwest is fortunate to add someone like her to their team,” said Smith.