Hannah Oaks has been playing softball since she was 4 years old and has been pitching as a member of the Chilton County High School varsity squad for the past five years.

Oaks has attempted to perfect her pitching prowess during that time, and it culminated with a chance to play softball at the college level.

With her family by her side, she signed to continue her softball career at Southern Union State Community College during a ceremony on May 11 at the high school.

“She has maintained her Grade Point Average and stayed focused on her academics, when it could have been very easy for her to get distracted. We are so proud of her,” said Amanda Oaks, Hannah’s mother.

Oaks played third base throughout little league and center field during her seventh and eighth grade years.

However, during her eighth grade season the coaching staff began moving her around and experimenting with various positions including pitcher.

“It was terrible, but I kept working on it,” Hannah Oaks said. “I spent my entire eighth grade year pitching in the gym after school. It has definitely allowed me to realize that you have to be adaptable.”

Oaks was a major contributor and a reason why this year’s team was able to advance to regional tournament in Troy.

“When she walks on the field, you can tell that she knows she has a job to do,” Amanda Oaks said.

According to Oaks, she began emailing softball coaches at various schools in November 2015, and in January attended a tryout at Southern Union’s main campus in Wadley.

“I was very determined, although it took a little longer than I had hoped,” Oaks said. “My teammates have helped me along in the process.”

Her current plans include transferring to the University of South Alabama for her final two years and possibly pursuing a degree in the field of radiology.

“She tried dance and gymnastics, but softball was the one activity that stuck,” Amanda Oaks said.