Merritt Signs with Valdosta State
Author: Christian Malone
Publication Date: November 18, 2008
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA — Courtney Merritt wanted to play softball for Valdosta State, she wanted to play for Thomas Macera and she wanted to stay close to home for college.
She will get to do all three things.
Merritt, Valdosta High’s third baseman, has signed a letter of intent to play softball for Valdosta State next season. She can’t wait to wear the Lady Blazers’ red-and-black uniforms and play for one of the top programs in Division II.
“I’m very excited. I’m so glad Thomas decided to sign me,” she said. “I’m glad I get to stay home and play for him.”
Merritt had a big year for Valdosta this past season, batting .474 for the Lady Wildcats. She had a hit in every game in the regular season, batting either third or fourth in the Valdosta lineup. In the field, she did not commit an error until late in the season. She also pitched in a few games.
“This was my best season,” Merritt said. “We had a lot of fun.”
“It was a pleasure to have Courtney on this team,” Valdosta head coach Adam Haire said. “She was one of our leaders, and she did a great job for us. She’s a great athlete, a great student and a leader inside and out of school. She’s one you can count on.”
Merritt was a three-year starter and a key part of a Valdosta team that went 16-15, the program’s first winning season since 2002, won the Griffin tournament and came one win away from making the state sectional tournament for the first time in six years.
She looks forward to playing for Macera, who coached her in travel ball several years ago. Macera won national championships at Thomas University and at Lynn University, and has built the Lady Blazers into a perennially-ranked program in his three seasons as the head coach at VSU.
“He’s a great coach,” Merritt said. “He’s a hard coach, but if you listen to what he says, you’ll learn a lot. He knows a lot about softball. It’s not going to be easy, but I know I’m going to get better playing for him.”
Merritt began following Valdosta State softball after Macera became the head coach in 2006. Next year, she’ll be wearing the uniform of the team that she’s been watching the last three years.
Softball is a big deal for Merritt. She plays almost year-round, either for Valdosta or for the Southern Pride travel softball team.
“I love softball,” Merritt said. “Since I’ve been able to walk, that’s all I’ve done. I played T-ball when I was four, and I’ve been playing softball ever since.
“I’m glad I got involved in travel ball. It has really helped me get better. We play every weekend (during the travel season). When you play against good players, like we do, it makes you better.”
She plans to major in nursing at Valdosta State and become a registered nurse.
Valdosta High softball player Courtney Merritt signs a letter of intent to play for Valdosta State. Her mother, Shannon, and father, Reggie, sit by her side, while Valdosta coaches Adam Haire and Mark Kirksey look on.
Paul Leavy/The Valdosta Daily Times
