Bryan County High School outfielder Melinda Myers played a number of positions during her career as a Lady Redskin. But one thing about Myers never changed, coach Al Butler said.

“She has a true leadership mentality,” he said. “She’s always been a good ballplayer, and she has several skill sets that come with the game. But what really stands out is that she is simply motivated and dedicated to do her best every single time she steps on the field.”

Tuesday, Myers reaped the reward of that work by signing to play softball at East Georgia State College, where she’ll study nursing. It was a big moment for the senior, who becomes one of the first in her family to go on to college.

“I’m excited,” said Myers, who said she intends to make the most of her opportunity. “I plan to do as well as I can there, and then transfer to Georgia southern or Armstrong to continue my education, as well as softball.”

East Georgia coach Megen Smith was at the signing, which was held with family, friends and classmates in attendance at the BCHS media center. Smith said Myers will fit right in at the two-year school in Swainsboro.

“She’s a hard worker and very dedicated, and I’m looking for girls who want to come in and put in the hard work,” Smith said. “If they’ll do that, I’ll teach them the game. She’s also got speed, she’s quick to read the ball and she’s got a good arm. I want someone that’s going to lay out and give me 100 percent in the outfield, and I think she’ll do that.”

Myers credited her mom, Aimy Myers, Butler and travel ball coach Anthony Joyner for their support over the years. And she is grateful to East Georgia for the opportunity East Georgia and Smith are providing. But don’t Myers to describe her approach to softball, or her philosophy about the game.

“It just comes to me, playing the game,” she said. “It’s just there.”

And that was plenty good enough in Pembroke, Butler said.

“She’s been one of my favorite kids, and her personality and leadership, that’s what I’ll miss most about her. She knows how to lighten the mood, knows how to toughen it up, and mostly she’s just a good person,” he said. “What we’re going to miss most about her is her presence.”