Newton County Academy’s Autumn Mize, seated center, signed Tuesday with Copiah-Lincoln Community College to continue her softball career. Pictured with her are, from left, front row, coach Moe Reed and mother Stephanie Miles; back row, assistant coach Le’Ann Boyles, stepmother Melissa Miles, brother Austin Mize, niece Annalise Baker (holding), sister Kristin Mize and stepbrother Ryan Skinner.

A torn labrum on her right throwing shoulder forced Newton County Academy catcher Autumn Mize to move to second base this past fall while the injury healed.

But that didn’t stop the Copiah-Lincoln Community College softball coaches from targeting the Lady Generals senior as a priority for their signing class. And Tuesday afternoon, Mize signed a letter of intent to continue her playing career for at least two more seasons in Wesson.

“She’s a natural catcher, but she has so much ability (she can play anywhere),” NCA softball coach Moe Reed said of Mize. “Since we had to move her, she didn’t have a chance to showcase half the talent she has behind the plate, but Co-Lin saw her play at a tournament. I really think she’s a diamond in the rough. She has great footwork, quick hands and a great arm.”

Mize said she was grateful to Co-Lin for giving her the opportunity to play at the next level. She had surgery in early October to repair the torn labrum, limiting her to underhanded throws at second.

“It’s an amazing opportunity I’ve been given,” Mize said. “This has been a goal I’ve been striving for since I started playing softball. I’ve worked very hard to earn this, and I’m very excited.”

Reed said she expects big things from Mize going forward as her game continues to develop.

“A lot of times the academies don’t get showcased as much as the public schools, but I think she has a ton of talent that the coach there (Allen Kent) is blessed to have her,” Reed said. “I’m looking forward to watching her grow and seeing what she can do at the college level.”

Mize said being in Wesson for the next two years will give herself an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone.

“I wanted a new atmosphere than what I am familiar with now,” she said. “When I went to visit Co-Lin, I couldn’t picture myself at any other community college, and I felt like I would be a good asset to the softball program.”

At the same time, the distance from home isn’t too far, Mize added.

“It was important for me to be close to home,” Mize said. “Me not being entirely too far from home gives my family and friends a better opportunity to visit me and make it to my games and any other events I could be involved in.”

Now that high school is nearly finished, Mize said she will always look back at her time at NCA fondly, but she’s ready for the next phase in her life.

“I feel like I’m ready for college,” Mize said. “I will definitely miss high school, but I’m excited to see what my future at college holds. I get the chance to meet new people and experience new things.”

Mize is the daughter of Stephanie and Melissa Miles.