Senior and star softball player Marli Hanks had her college signing day on April 11. She chose to sign with Limestone College in Gaffney.

“I kind of laugh. I didn’t really pick the college; the college picked me,” Hanks said. “The softball program there is great, and the coach is awesome. I love the team there already, and I have some friends on the team. It felt like the right choice for me.”

Hanks has put in a lot of hard work in both softball and her grades. Her scholarship load reflects that dedication. Between the academic and athletic scholarships, she is almost at a full ride.

However, the transition from high school to college is a big adjustment to make. Hanks feels ready for this new season of her life.

“I am so excited and definitely feel prepared. I’ve been playing softball my whole life, so I’m not worried about the softball side of things,” Hanks said. “I am nervous about juggling school, softball, and the average college life, but I definitely feel prepared.”

Hanks has already visited Limestone on a few different tours.

“I went on my official visit for the softball side of things, and then I went over spring break on an admissions visit,” Hanks said.

Hanks has some great advice for the seniors next year.

“Don’t slack off, and it’s definitely the time you want to slack off. You’ll be ready to get out of here, but make memories and do your school work. Hang out with friends more, go out, live life a little.”

There are a lot of things that make Chapman unique, but again and again both students and teachers mention how the school or their friends are like family, and Hanks agrees with that.  

“I’ll miss my friends. We’ve all grown up together and we’re all going separate ways, and that’s exciting but scary. The friends that I’ve made here are like my family.”