Apollo’s Keely Eans will continue her softball career at the next level after signing with Brescia University during a ceremony at the high school Wednesday.
For the past five seasons, Eans has been a member of both the softball and soccer varsity squads. She also holds the girls’ squat record at Apollo with 28 pounds.
Last year, Eans helped the E-Gals’ softball team win both the district and region championships for a spot in the state tournament.
Head coach Stephen Julian said Eans will be used all over the field and is strong both offensively and defensively.
“Keely swings a big bat with lots of pop and is very versatile,” he said. “She will pitch and play both infield and outfield corners as well. She is an all around quality player.”
Though Eans still has one softball season left to play, she can already look fondly on her time at Apollo.
“It gave me a sense of what it’s like to work together to achieve a goal as a family,” she said.
She is grateful for her chance to keep playing collegiately while staying close to home. Eans said Brescia welcomed her with open arms, and she looks forward to being able to further her career.
“Brescia will allow me to pursue my academic and athletic dreams while staying close to my family and friends,” she said. “Playing softball competitively has been a huge part of my life since age eight. Getting to continue to play the sport I love is a huge blessing from God.”
Though she is not continuing her soccer career, Apollo coach Mason Head still had high praise for Eans, saying she is a selfless person and player.
“She lead our team in a lot of ways, but none were as important to me as her coach as her willingness to do whatever the team asked of her,” he said. “She is a tremendous young lady with an impressive work ethic. I can’t wait to see how Keely takes advantage of the opportunities she has before her.”
