Skylar McCarty signs with PCC
By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on January 26, 2012 1:48 PM
Since the first time she was introduced to the sport by her mother at the age of four, softball has played a significant role in Skylar McCarty's life.
When the thought of leaving the comfort and familiarity of home for college became a reality, McCarty knew the game she grew up playing was one thing she wasn't leaving behind. A solid hitter with a reliable glove, McCarty has committed to continue her softball career at Pitt Community College following her senior year at North Duplin.
McCarty attended a Pitt softball showcase for high school players in mid-December and felt a connection with current Bulldogs' players. She is also interested in pursuing a degree in radiography. Pitt finished 49-10 last season and advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament.
"The girls are all like me. It feels like something I can walk into and it just feels like family," McCarty said. "I want to feel like I'm at home. I've played travel ball since I was 10 and those girls are my family, and I want to feel like that whenever I go to school and play softball."
A pitcher and shortstop for the Rebels, McCarty also plays for the Hurricanes Elite, a travel team that competes in showcase tournaments. She has been an all-Carolina Conference selection in each of the past two seasons at North Duplin.
"She knows the game," Rebels' assistant coach Max Barwick said. "She hits for power well and then she can turn around and hit down either base line or slap. She's got a good eye for the ball. She's been a pleasure to coach."
Pitt head coach Junior Bailey anticipates using McCarty in multiple roles, but not inside the pitcher's circle. With versatility so crucial at the collegiate level, McCarty's ability to play multiple positions increases her potential to contribute to the Bulldogs' success.
"We were very pleased with what we saw in Skylar as player and as an outgoing person," Bailey said. "That's important to be able to carry on conversations with coaches and not just be a player. All the players we bring in are utility players pretty much.
"A lot of it depends on her competing and what our needs are when she gets there."