Softball inks local product Jenny Vachon
6/8/2010 – Choctaw's Vachon signs to play softball at NWF State
By ADAM ROSENBERG
Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4484 | arosenberg@nwfdailynews.com
FORT WALTON BEACH When Choctawhatchee softball coach Brooke Faile first saw Jenny Vachon play, she told Vachon that if she worked hard, she would be able to play at the next level.
Last Thursday was a validation of Faile's faith.
Surrounded by her parents, coaches and many of her teammates, Vachon signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Northwest Florida State College next season.
Vachon could play a variety of positions for Raider coach Jack Byerley. She will join Niceville graduate Missy Milligan, who will be a sophomore on the team next season, as local products on the NWF State roster.
"When I first saw her play, I told her that if she worked hard for me I would get her a scholarship," Faile said. "And she worked very hard. She did everything."
"I'm just happy I get to keep playing," Vachon said. "I always said I would play until I die if I could. Obviously I can't play until I die, but I'll play as long as I can."
Under Byerley, Vachon will have the opportunity to hone her skills and possibly parlay them into an offer to continue playing at a four-year school. But before she thinks about that, Vachon will have to embrace the challenge of playing softball for last year's runner up in the ultra-competitive Panhandle Conference.
As an infielder, outfielder or catcher, Vachon will be counted on for her defensive versatility and her lively bat. NWF State assistant coach Meghan Darhower attended Vachon's signing and said that the school couldn't be happier to get a player like Vachon.
"Being a local girl is always a plus because we got to see her play a lot this year," Darhower said. "We liked what we saw. We were very impressed with her as a person and her grades."
After seeing Vachon play numerous times throughout the season, Byerley invited Vachon to the NWF State campus for a mini tryout. Vachon showcased her skills and the Raiders obviously liked what they saw enough to offer a scholarship.
The decision to attend NWF State was fairly easy for Vachon, who said she will relish the opportunity to play close to home. She said she plans on attending Choctaw games when she can next season and looks forward to her high school teammates being able to watch her play for the Raiders.
"I've been doing dual enrollment at the college and I love the classes and the teachers there," Vachon said. "When you get an opportunity like this, you have to take it."