Meridian Community College softball coach Faith Robinson cruised her black SUV through Copiah and Lincoln Counties Thursday afternoon and signed three high school softball standouts. Joining the MCC Lady Eagles were shortstop Abbey Smith of Wesson, and infielder Shelby Peavey and outfielder Shelby Case, both of Brookhaven.

Both ceremonies took place in school libraries as they signed scholarship papers to further their education and continue their athletic careers. Green and white decorations adorned the scene.

Smith, a 5-foot-8 senior, is a right-handedr hitter and fielder. She could see some time in the circle as a part-time pitcher for the Lady Cobras this season.

“I’m excited,” said Smith. “This is my dream come true.”

Her parents are Craig and Rebecca Smith. Her father underwent a heart transplant nearly 18 years ago. He has been a source of encouragement for his daughter.

“My father had a heart transplant when I was eight months old,” said Smith. “He got me started in softball.”

Smith said she plans to pursue a nursing career. Her favorite subject is math.

“Abbey is a great competitor,” said Wesson coach Jackie Johnson. “She has a strong arm, too.”

At the plate, Smith batted .338 as a junior. She hit 3 homers, 3 triples and 2 doubles.

“Abbey is an awesome ball player,” said Coach Robinson. “She is the fire that we need at Meridian.”

Robinson, a Clinton native, is in her first year at Meridian. She played third base for MCC and later played for Mississippi State University. Skyla, her cute 2-year-old daughter, accompanied her on the recruiting venture and made plenty of friends.

The Lady Eagles make their 2013 debut Feb. 6, at Co-Lin.