SPRINGFIELD — Jaci Coleman on Friday signed a letter of intent to attend University of South Carolina-Beaufort.

The four-year softball letter winner for Effingham County finished her senior season with 20 runs scored and 31 hits. 

Coleman, who played second base in 2019, opted to stay close to home and said teammate Francie Gaskin’s recent decision to play for the Sand Sharks played a role in her college choice.

“We are really close so that will make it easy for us,” Coleman said. “I was looking at some other schools. I loved the campus.

“They have a really good program for what I want to major in. I didn’t want to go too far. I knew I wanted to stay close.”

Coleman played for three coaches in four years — Matt Huntley, Johnny Coleman (her father) and Jane Trzasa — but said each one provided something different and valuable to her development as a player.

“I’ve played for different coaches so I’ve learned how to adapt and I’ve learned to play with different teammates, and I’ve learned something from each coach that I had,” she said.

Coach Coleman relished the opportunity to lead the Lady Trojans during his daughter’s junior and senior seasons. He served as an assistant to Trzaska during her senior campaign.

“I have been fortunate enough to be able to coach Jaci in some capacity since she started playing,” he said. “I know how much work she has put into softball and I am glad she has the opportunity to continue playing. Jaci has learned so much from her other coaches in school ball and travel ball that has helped her reach her goals.”

As for moving on to the next level, Jaci is excited for everything college softball entails. Although she served as the first and sixth hitter in the Lady Rebels’ lineup, Coleman isn’t taking those expectations with her.

“I honestly don’t know (what spot I’ll be placed) but I’ll do whatever they want me to,” she said. “I am looking forward to meeting new people from different areas.”