Meridian High School softball players, parents and coaches celebrated Wednesday as two Lady Wildcats signed to continue their athletic careers at the next level.

 

Caitlyn Williams and Jazz Sulton signed with Miles College and Stillman College respectively in a ceremony at the MHS multipurpose building.

 

“These girls have been with us forever. I’m not only a better coach, but I’m a better person because of these two right here,” said Meridian softball coach Mark Davis. “They’re good kids. Don’t have to worry about them on or off the field. They do exactly what you want them to do, and they’re just great individuals.”

 

Both players will leave Meridian having made a lasting impact, Davis said. Sulton, he said, holds the school record in wins and strikeouts, and it will likely be some time before another student athlete is able to come close to her numbers.

Williams was chosen as a Mississippi Association of Coaches All Star twice during her high school career, Davis said, which is an achievement maybe five or six players in the state can claim. Talented and determined, he said the two players will bring a lot to their college teams.

 

“The two programs that they’re going to just got instantly better just by having those two on the roster,” he said.

 

Willams said she chose Miles College, which is located near Birmingham, Alabama, because she felt welcome when visiting the campus and believes the environment will be a good fit for her. Sulton said her choice to sign with Stillman, near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, came because the school offers the academic programs she wants to pursue, and the coaches and team were welcoming to her during her visit.

 

Meridian Public School District Athletic Director Cheyenne Trussell said being able to have Sulton and Williams as part of the softball team has been a wonderful experience, and the district is fortunate to have had the opportunity. To the two signees, he said the focus now is getting that college degree.

 

“I like to say to all of our student athletes to make sure when you leave that institution that you leave with that degree, that paper,” he said.

 

Angela McQuarley, principal at Meridian High School and Williams’ grandmother, said the two girls have grown up playing softball together. Now, they will have the opportunity to go off to different programs and compete against each other on the field, she said.