Seabolt signs with Truett-McConnell
Bears get Lady Panthers 'most consistent hitter'
By JARED PUTNAM Union Sentinel Editor

Jess Seabolt sits beside Bears Coach Jenni Deitz at Monday afternoon's signing held in the UCHS gymnasium.

Lady Panthers leadoff hitter Jess Seabolt accepted a scholarship from Truett- McConnell College Monday, providing the school with a speedy new addition to their Bears fastpitch softball team.

"A lot of it was her speed," Bears Head Coach Jenni Deitz said when asked what she saw in Seabolt that initially got her attention. "When some of the parents came and watched the tryouts they were like, 'Coach are you getting that quick little outfielder? She's all over the place."

The coach added that she was also impressed by Seabolt's demeanor and maturity. "Just her attitude overall [was good]," Coach Deitz said. "We had a really good vibe when we were talking and I think she is going to be good for the program."

Having been a three sport athlete in soccer, softball, and basketball all four years of high school, Seabolt acknowledged that while she had other options, playing softball for Truett-McConnell held the most appeal.

"I could have chosen Young Harris College, but I really like Truett," Seabolt said. "I like Coach Deitz and I really feel comfortable playing for her."

Sentinel photo/Jared Putnam Back row: UCHS Athletic Director Jim Hughes, Ricky and Terry Seabolt, and Lady Panthers Head Coach Jessica Stewart. Front: Jess Seabolt and Bears Head Coach Jenni Deitz.

Lady Panthers Head Coach Jessica Stewart echoed her own words from the UCHS Fall Sports Awards Ceremony, in which Seabolt was awarded honors as 2006 Offensive Player of the Year and described by Stewart as the team's 'most consistent hitter.'

"She's consistent on defense and offense," Stewart said during the signing. "She's a leader on and off the field. It's going to be tough to replace her."

Seabolt led the Lady Panthers with a .286 batting average during the season and hit a homerun off of the GAC ace during the state tournament, a player who was one of, if not the premiere pitcher in the state.

Seabolt's performance throughout the season was a significant factor in the Lady Panther's fifth place finish in Georgia's AA division.

While she is excited about continuing her softball career at Truett, Seabolt said that family also played a role in her decision to stay close to home. "I don't like being [too far] away from my mom and dad," Seabolt said. "I am really close to them."

Academically Seabolt said that she plans to study Early Childhood Education or Special Education.