Ingram signs softball NLI with Mount Olive

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 15, 2013 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Anna Ingram understands she might have trouble juggling academics and athletics at the next level. After all, time management is a daunting task for any college freshman.

Don't think Ingram won't hurdle that obstacle.

Confident in her abilities, the Rosewood High senior knows she can get the job done at Mount Olive College. She's eager to prove it after signing a national letter-of-intent to play softball for the Trojans on Thursday afternoon.

"I love the campus, the environment and the class size," said Ingram, who garnered attention from East Carolina, Campbell, UNC Wilmington, Meredith and Salem College.

"I'm family oriented, and I like the fact my family and friends can come watch me play. I plan to go and be as much of a leader as I can coming in as a freshman. I plan to gain a starting spot, hopefully through hard work."

Ingram helped lead Rosewood to 14 wins last season and a third-round appearance in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A playoffs. An all-Carolina Conference selection at catcher, Ingram batted .407 and committed just three throwing errors in 22 games.

She recorded a .500 on-base percentage and .610 slugging percentage. During travel ball with the Hurricanes, Ingram concluded the season with a .489 batting average and .539 on-base percentage.

RHS head coach Shay Campbell lauded Ingram's leadership skills during her junior campaign, but noted her biggest improvement was at the plate. Campbell and Hurricanes coach Mark McCullom helped fine-tune her offensive game with extra hitting instruction.

A natural pull hitter, Ingram showed tremendous patience defending pitches throughout the strike zone. She said it was a matter of just believing in herself when opposing hurlers challenged her with outside pitches.

"I think it's more in my head," said Ingram, who plans to major in biology. "My confidence (level) going into the batter's box, knowing that wherever the pitch is thrown, I need to hit it. (I need) to trust my hands and trust my body because fundamentally I know how to do it.

"I just can't let my mind get in the way."

Ingram is part of a 10-player class that MOC head coach Jaime Kylis has signed and could see playing time at first base during her freshman season. She joins a program that has gained respect regionally and splashed onto the national scene last spring.

The Trojans emerged as the Conference Carolinas tournament champions and seized the automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional. They posted their second consecutive 30-win season and third overall with Kylis in the dugout.

MOC also cranked out a school-record 36 home runs a year ago.

"Academically, it will be a good fit for her," Campbell said. "I know she had other opportunities and offers, but this one being close to home and having the chance to get some playing time early is the best decision for her."