Rosewood's Scout Anderson signs with MOC

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on December 5, 2012 1:48 PM

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The process of selecting a college is tough for any high school student.

Throw in the tense days spent hoping for a potential scholarship offer to arrive and the wait can seem unbearable.

Rosewood High School softball standout Scout Anderson is certainly glad that her wait is over. The middle infielder signed a national letter-of-intent to play softball at Mount Olive College on Tuesday.

"It has been a really nerve-racking process," Anderson said. "I didn't want to wait until during the season to sort out where I was going to play in college, so I was really excited when Mount Olive called in November and explained that I could sign now and get it over with."

All the pressure is now off for Anderson as she tries to work on her game and get used to being a more vocal leader within the Rosewood program.

"Now I can focus on going out and making plays without looking over my shoulder," Anderson said. "When you have coaches come watch you, it forces you to try to be perfect, even show off a little bit, but now I can just play my game."

Over the winter months Anderson will be working with Eagles assistant coach, and former Mount Olive standout, Aubrey Reinhard. The pair are focused on improving Anderson's power while maintaining her speed and versatility.

"Scout is a really well-rounded player," Reinhard said. "She brings a lot of tools to the field and she has some pop in her bat. We need to work on getting that out of her by working hard during lifting as well as spring practice."

A middle infielder by trade, Anderson has developed into a consistent defensive presence.

While nothing at Mount Olive is set in stone, she anticipates competing alongside the Trojans' core of returning infielders for playing time. While at Rosewood, Anderson has also played travel softball with the Carolina Screamers to keep her defensive skills sharp.

"I feel like (defense) is my biggest strength," Anderson said. "When I went to the prospect camp at Mount Olive we worked a lot in the field and I think that is where I stood out."

Rosewood finished last season 20-4 overall and made it to the fourth round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A playoffs.

"We have high expectations for the spring," Anderson said. "But we are ready and I think our whole team understands what it is going to take to be successful again."

And now the pressure is off.