DeShuni Sanders thought her path had been set.
After all, there aren’t many opportunities for softball players to earn scholarships in June. That’s why Sanders thought she was going to go to Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., and try to walk on to the school’s softball team after two years at East Mississippi Community College.
That plan changed when EMCC coach Kate Neely called Sanders.
“She said she saw on the Internet where there was a coach who needed a center fielder,” Sanders said. “She happened to call me and asked me if I was interested. The very next day I was up there trying out for the team.”
The whirlwind ended with Sanders receiving a scholarship offer from Union University coach Heather Hall.
“I was surprised,” Sanders said. “It is something I had been praying for, and I knew God had His hand on it. He was the one who orchestrated it and pulled it together.”
Sanders, a slow- and fast-pitch standout at New Hope High School, played an integral role in helping Union win the TranSouth Conference tournament in Jackson, Tenn., earlier this month. Union won four games to earn its first trip to the NAIA National Championship since 2005.
Union (46-12) beat Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College 6-0 Thursday in its first game at the tournament in Gulf Shores, Ala. It then lost to Indiana University-Southeast and then to Lubbock Christian 3-2 on Saturday to end its season.
Sanders went 2-for-3 with a triple and a stolen base in the first game. She was 0-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base in the second game and was 1-for-4 with a run scored in the season finale.
Sanders entered the NAIA tournament hitting .297 with one home run and 11 RBIs. She was one of the team leaders in hits (35) and runs (41).
Hall said she initially was looking for a shortstop and that the chance to add a center fielder happened almost at the same time. She said she saw Sanders’ potential at the tryout and knew Union could utilize her speed in the outfield and in the lineup.
“She did a great job, showed a lot of potential, and is a really great kid,” Hall said.
Hall said she realized Sanders’ speed would be an asset on the basepaths, but that she really wanted the former Lady Trojan to step in in the outfield and take charge. Sanders did that, starting 36 of 47 games in the regular season. She continued to play that role in the postseason, and thanked the coaches for working with her to make her even more versatile.
“I just love defense, so whatever I can do on defense to make the out or to keep the runners off the bases that is what I am going to do,” Sanders said. “I try as best as possible to make the great plays.”
Sanders also said the coaches have worked with her a lot on slapping. After playing as a right-handed hitter in high school, Sanders became a left-handed slapper at EMCC. She has continued to develop that skill at Union, and has a home run to show for it.
Hall feels Sanders has the potential to contribute even more to the program next season.
“It is definitely a blessing to find a player so late in the year,” Hall said. “It is really awesome to find a player who is not committed elsewhere. We’re really happy to have her.”
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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