By Jose Negron
Having lost out on her senior softball season, Ringgold’s Nya Adams is grateful to be back on the field with her teammates for the Mon Valley Independent Senior Swing softball tournament.
“Although it’s not quite the same, I’m enjoying being around the team again,” Adams said.
While she is getting one last chance to stand alongside her teammates as a member of Rams Fast Pitch in the inaugural tourney, Adams is using the experience as another way to prepare for what’s to come at the collegiate level.
Adams’ softball career will continue next year when she joins the Fighting Scots at Edinboro University in Erie. The star shortstop will play in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference for veteran coach Dan Gierlak, who has spent more than three decades with the program.
“The exercise science department is excellent and where I currently see my future,” said Adams, the daughter of Gregg Adams of Finleyville and Christine Watkins of Charleroi. “I like the idea of playing against some of our local colleges and was hoping it will help my dad see most of my games. I want to win now and come out (of school) as a physical therapist.”
Adams fielded 24 offers from schools all over the country at all levels thanks to the utilization of Next College Student Athlete, a for-profit organization that connects middle and high school student athletes with college coaches.
In the end, though, Adams chose to continue her academics in state.
Not to mention she chose to play softball rather than basketball.
“I actually had a hard time deciding between softball and hoops,” said Adams, a four-year starter on the Ringgold girls basketball team. “I love them both.
“Basketball kept me in shape and my dad always taught me the responsibility of the point guard is to make the other four players better. I took that to heart. I’ve learned to lead by example and put my teammates in positions to succeed.”
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