Dexter, Missouri - One day prior to her 18th birthday, Kaylee Carey signed a letter of intent to play softball for Crowley's Ridge College in Paragould, Arkansas.

Kaylee is the daughter of Jeremy and Cindy Carey and is a senior at Dexter High School.

CRC Head softball coach Jordan Malone and assistant coach Kourtney Brown traveled from Crowley's Ridge College in Paragould to sign Carey at the Bearcat Event Center on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.

"She was a little nervous at try-outs, but had an awesome performance," stated Malone.  "She performed well with our team.  She definitely had the guts to try out at the college level."

"Kaylee will get a lot of playing time as a freshman as shortstop," continued Malone.  "She is the 5th one we have signed and we wanted her early.  We should end with about 30 girls on the roster for next year."

Kaylee began her softball career at the young age of six.  By the time she was 16 she played in the Softball World Series.  At Dexter High School she earned the 2015 and 2016 SCAA All Conference Softball First Team, All-District Softball, and earned the DHS Highest Batting Average two years in a row. 

She is active in Sr. Beta, Future Business Leaders of America, Foreign Language Club, and is a member of the Dexter Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

"I am excited to continue playing softball," commented Carey. "It is a big part of my life and means a lot to me.  I never really thought I'd play college softball, but they have a good school and a great team. I still have high school ball left and I just want to learn more and continue to play shortstop and first base this spring."

Though Kaylee is undecided in her major area of study, she plans to continue her education and decide on a major later.

Her current softball coach spoke very highly of Carey.  "Kaylee is an amazing softball player, a hard worker, and has leadership skills," stated Starla Pulley, DHS Lady Cats head softball coach.  "She also has a big heart and works very well with other players on the team. "

"This is my third year as head coach and seeing her growth in her batting average increase, I know she can put bat to ball."

"She has great composure and a lot of experience as she has played travel ball too," continued Pulley.  "She handles tough situations and remains focused.  She manages to pull it out for the big hit when needed. No matter what position she plays she gives 100%."