Syeria Moton, middle, signs her national letter of intent. 

A month ago, Brianna Robbins didn’t envision herself playing her softball career beyond high school.

However, as the senior learned many times in games throughout her athletic career, situations rarely stay the same for long.

Two months ago, Meridian Community College coach Faith Robinson invited Robbins to try out for the Lady Eagles’ softball squad.

“Their coach called my dad and asked if I would be interested in coming, and basically showing them what I have,” Robbins said. 

While Robinson’s summon might have intimidated some, it didn’t faze her. Having played softball in Northeast Lauderdale’s system since seventh grade, she felt equipped to handle the pressures.

“I knew that if I went out there nervous, I’d mess up,” Robbins said. “I just had to be myself.”

Shortly after her tryout, MCC extended a scholarship offer. Robbins signed her letter of intent with the Lady Eagles during a ceremony Wednesday afternoon in Northeast Lauderdale’s library. 

First-year Lady Trojans’ coach Timothy Maloney credited Robbins for helping make his transition easier, and also commented that he’ll miss her presence in the circle next season. 

“I hate that I’m losing her, because she’s a great senior pitcher,” Maloney said. “Just jumping to this season, I was like, ‘Man, now I have to find somebody to fill her shoes because she won a lot of games for me this year.’”

Robbins accumulated a 12-6 record last season behind a 2.36 ERA. She struck out 60 opposing batters, while issuing just 18 walks. But her arm wasn’t her only weapon. 

Offensively, Robbins finished second on the team with a .380 batting average. Her 17 RBIs was a team-high, and she belted two triples. Robbins flashed her versatility for Robinson during her tryout.

“When I went to the tryout, I did do some catching and stuff, and I did play some third and second base,” she said.

When asked which position she prefers to play, she said, with a pause: “I like middle infield, short and second, just because that’s where I’ve been playing all my life, but I don’t know if I can choose a favorite. I just like them all equally.”

Maloney knows first-hand the impact Robbins had on Northeast Lauderdale not just last year, but during the span of her prep career. He said Robinson and MCC are not only getting a dynamic player, but a quality teammate, as well.

“All the girls loved her,” Maloney said of Robbins’ teammates. “I know that after the last game when we got beat in the playoffs this past weekend, they were sad to see her go. They love her. She’s a good role model and a good leader.”

Robbins is the daughter of Joe and Brigitte Robbins.

 

Moton inks with MCC track

 

Lady Trojans’ speeder Syeria Moton signed with Meridian Community College’s track program earlier this week. 

The two-time state champion in the 100- and 200-meter events said while she eventually would like to run for either Texas A&M or LSU, MCC offers an immediate opportunity to remain close to home, while still competing for a formidable program and coach.

“(Coach Chip Gayden) is a good coach, and he said he can get me anywhere I want to go if I came to him first,” Moton said. 

When Moton began running competitively in middle school, the exercise seemed more like punishment than activity. But as she blossomed, her thoughts on competitive track changed.

“I was winning a lot more in ninth grade then when I was in middle school,” she said. 

Moton captured state titles in the 100- and 200-meter events in 2015 and 2016. 

“It made me feel good and proud about myself,” she said.

Moton is the daughter of Antonio and Shiela Moton.