On Wednesday, Meridian High School’s KaMya Dunn agreed to extend her softball career by signing with Xavier University.

 

“I’m really excited,” she shyly told a crowd that included her teammates, family members and school officials. “I always wanted to go to a HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and this is my chance,” KaMya said. “I’m very happy.”

 

Dunn’s parents – Kamilah Dunn and Darius Dunn – both smiled through tears as they discussed having a daughter like KaMya. “She’s my baby and I’m so proud,” Kamilah said.

 

Darius added, “She’s my pumpkin. She was born on Halloween, so I’ve always called her my pumpkin. She’s come a long way, all the way through little league, and we are so proud of the young lady she has become.”

 

MHS softball coach Mark Davis said that Xavier will like KaMya’s habits from the first day.

 

“ She shows up,” he said, “and she finds a way to get things done. She’s consistent and has an excellent attitude.”

 

Family members attending Tuesday’s signing included her grandmother, Letha Dunn; stepmother, Tajsa Dunn; her auntie, Jamara Dunn; and her two sisters, Nova, 5, and Dailyn, 9.

 

“She’s been playing softball since she was old enough to…well, play softball,” Letha said with a grin. “We’re all so proud of her.”

 

Dunn, 18, plans to major in sociology with a concentration on criminal justice to one day become a Special Victims Unit detective.