Watterson first WHS softball scholarship signee

BY NEAL MCCLELLAND The Daily Iberian

Whether she meant to or not, Westgate’s Kayla Watterson became a history maker Friday as the senior took advantage of the early signing period and inked a softball scholarship with Nicholls State University.

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In doing so, she became the first player at Westgate to sign a softball scholarship.

“It’s exciting,” was Watterson had to say about the feat.

Westgate coach Carrie Landry had a little more on the subject.

“Definitely the first one,” said Landry. “Making Westgate history by being the first one to sign a softball scholarship. She’s been playing since she could barely walk and has always stood out on teams that she’s played on.

“She’s always played on teams that were an age group older than her and has been playing select softball for several years now. She’s been seen by coaches and stands out all the time.

“We knew that she would go to a college somewhere. Now she has and I’m very excited for her.”

Watterson who has been a mainstay for the Lady Tigers for the past three years, took a trip to Thibodaux and liked what she saw.

“I’ve always wanted to go there,” said Watterson. “It (the Southland Conference) has always been a hitting conference and I’m a hitter. It’s something that I wanted to do.”

After the visit, she knew she had made her choice.

“I toured the campus and I liked the girls,” said Watterson. “I like the coaches and they came to recruit me. About the middle of the summer they really came after me.”

Watterson also considered Louisiana-Lafayette but quickly changed her mind.

She also thinks it won’t take her long to adjust to college softball.

“I hit against top pitching this summer so it won’t be a problem,” said Watterson. “I’m hoping to play right away. I plan to make a difference over there.”

Watterson, who plans to study criminal justice, said the coaches hinted that she might play third in college but that nothing had been decided.

“She’ll be ready to compete at Nicholls,” said Landry. “She’s one of those kids that doesn’t leave practice until she is satisfied. She’s done the best she could and has always helped others.

“I think she’ll fit in fine.”