Unaka senior pitcher Corie Schuettler can now check off one of her dreams.
Schuettler, in front of friends and family, signed to played softball at Walters State Community College. The Lady Ranger has been on the softball diamond ever since she was 4 years old and is excited she will get to compete at the next level.
“I have wanted to go to college since I was in middle school, and it feels good to know I will get to accomplish that,” said Schuettler.
After visiting Walters State, which is located in Morristown, Tennessee, the future Lady Senator said she felt the school was the right fit for her.
“Walters State just felt the most like home,” said Corie Schuettler. “I really liked the staff, and it feels like a really good group of girls and close-knit team.”
On hand during Wednesday’s signing was Unaka head softball coach Kenneth Chambers, who said it was great to see one of his players have the opportunity to play at the collegiate level.
“Well, I think it has been one of her lifelong dreams to go and play in college,” said Chambers. “She is one of the hardest working girls. In the off-season, she is pitching all the time. You have to tell her to take some time off sometimes because she wants to work so hard at it. I think she is going to represent Unaka High School well. I also think it is a big honor to get someone to sign at the college level.”
Before I even started coaching, I came and watched them play,” added Chambers. “What I was always impressed with in her, was that, wherever the spot is, she puts it there. She has great control. She has now developed three or four more pitches, and her speed has improved a whole lot.”
Walters State head softball coach Larry Sauceman was also in attendance Wednesday. Sauceman said that, after watching Schuettler pitch, that the Lady Ranger had a lot of potential to compete in college.
“We just like her demeanor and maturity,” he said. “I know the background she was raised in—military life. So we know she has had a good upbringing. She has a good work ethic. After watching her throw for thirty minutes to an hour, we saw she had a lot capability.”
Schuettler and the Lady Rangers made a deep run to the TSSAA Class A State Softball tournament this past season, and the senior pitcher said she is excited for what her team could accomplish during her last run with the Lady Rangers.