Brownwood High School’s Cherita George has committed to play softball for Howard Payne University and was celebrated by her coaches, teammates, family and friends on Monday afternoon in a mock signing ceremony.
According to her coaches, George has exemplified leadership, dedication and skill throughout her time as a Brownwood Lady Lion.
“Seeing her grow up and compete, I don’t know if anybody has brought anymore energy, enthusiasm or effort to our program, in everything she has done, it has been a joy. The load you have carried has been tremendous. We are going to miss her,” said girls athletic coach Don Hood. “She will continue to do good things as she continues in another program.”
“I have had the privilege to coach Cherita the first two years in softball. She converted from third base to outfield. I couldn’t be more proud of her when I coached her in softball how she would get on the ground for balls. “She turned into one of the best outfielders I ever coached,” said Coach Hohertz. Then I had the privilege to coach her the last two years in basketball and I am going to miss you tons. The things you brought. I am proud to say that you are going to go to my Alma Mater and represent the team well.”
Her parents are thrilled that she is continuing her softball career locally and are excited to be able to attend more of her games. Cherita’s mother, Camille George also attended and finished up her degree at Howard Payne University.
“We’re proud of her, especially for her all state academic selection, grade wise and everything – to do what she did along with playing sports,” said her father William George. “We’re proud she’s playing somewhere else, but most of all that she plans to advance her education which is most important.”
George plans to pursue an English major with a coaching minor at HPU. She stated that she also considered Baylor University, but after taking dual credit courses at HPU, the decision was easy.
“I’m really excited about going to Howard Payne. I really loved the one-on-one with professors. If I wasn’t there for class, they would call to check on me and even state that they would pray for me,” said George. “At Baylor, I was just a number, but at HPU, I had a name.
She is looking forward to playing once again with former Lady Lion teammates Larissa Salazar and Amanda Gober.
Pictured above is Cherita George with her parents and coaches. From right to left are: Coaches Don Hood, Melanie Kunkel, Ashley Laughlin; parents, William and Camille George; BHS Athletic Director and Head Coach Chuck Howard and Coach Heather Hohertz.
Below are more photos of the event.
