Mozingo, McCollum sign with Campbell

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 15, 2014 11:03 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Through the years, the prestigious Carolina Hurricanes travel ball softball program has gained respect on the state, regional and national scene.

It's churned out some pretty darn good players along the way, too.

There's All-American Jenny Jackson.

North Carolina home run queen Meredith Burroughs.

Speedy outfielder Cierra Harris.

Utility player Anna Ingram.

You can add two more to the list -- Rachel McCollum and Megan Mozingo. The duo became the fourth and fifth Hurricanes from Wayne County -- and the first from their respective high schools -- to sign Division I scholarships.

Each is headed to Campbell University.

McCollum never considered another school.

Mozingo wavered between Campbell and UNC Wilmington, and chose the (Buies) Creek over the beach.

"Campbell is a small school, but it's still D-I and is a really good (softball) program," said Mozingo, a senior at Eastern Wayne. "You have the class size where they focus on you. It's more than just softball, it's about education."

McCollum, who has re-written numerous Spring Creek records, echoed Mozingo. She added that the small-school atmosphere was comparable to growing up in a small town, and that neither player expects to get overwhelmed once they arrive on campus.

Mozingo didn't play on Eastern Wayne's softball team, but focused on basketball and soccer instead. She played travel ball with the Hurricanes and Wildcats during the offseason, which undoubtedly kept her mentally sharp against higher-quality competition.

Campbell head coach Todd Bradley sees Mozingo as a middle infielder, but could possibly utilize her quickness in the outfield. A compact player with quick hands, Mozingo is a left-handed lead-off hitter who sets the tone when she's able to get on base.

Her positivity and strong defense should prove critical, too.

"We've probably been in every situation possible in as many (travel) games as we have played," Mozingo said. "You learn something new every tournament. I've learned that I'm a perfectionist and I always want to be the best."

McCollum has definitely been at her best during her career in "The Swamp." Last spring, the natural-hitting, confident slugger led the Gators in five offensive categories -- batting average (.750), home runs (6), slugging percentage (1.636), on-base percentage (.817) and runs scored (36).

The right-hander logged 88 strikeouts inside the pitcher's circle.

McCollum feels she can do the same for the Camels, who have won 30 or more games in six of the last seven seasons. The program's last NCAA tournament appearance was 2009.

"I feel like I'lll drive in some runs, contribute with some hits and make some good plays (defensively)," said McCollum, who has earned all-Carolina Conference honors in volleyball, indoor/outdoor track and softball.

"I've always worked hard on hitting, have always been able to see the ball well and go with the pitch. But I've got to improve my glove (defense) if I want to secure a spot on the field."

McCollum helped Spring Creek set single-season records for wins (11), wins in conference play (8), conference finish (tied for 2nd) and advanced to the postseason for the first time in program history in 2014.

"It's an awesome experience for the whole team, a huge deal for the Spring Creek program to have its first-ever Division I signee," SC head coach Lester Boltinhouse said. "To me, that is the result of a young lady with a God-given athletic ability. Several coaches throughout her life who have worked with her, and helped develop that inner talent to maximize where she is today.

"Anywhere she plays on the field, she's going to be a difference maker. (Campbell) is a well-kept secret in the state. It's a great place."