Although she only got to play eight games her senior year, Columbia High School graduate McKinley Newcomer impressed Mississippi Delta Community College enough over the past several years to earn a scholarship.
The catcher and third baseman signed with the Moorhead college July 24 and said she’s very grateful for the opportunity to play college softball, especially considering that the coronavirus pandemic took her senior year away from her.
“I feel as if I’m prepared for the next level thanks to my coaches of the past. The next level will be hard at times but will prepare me for the toughest challenges on and off the field,” she said.
Before the 2020 season was canceled, Newcomer was batting .417 with a home run, two doubles and 8 RBI. She earned all-district first team honors as both a sophomore and a junior and finished her Lady Wildcats career with nine home runs, including a grand slam, and 42 RBI. She also threw out 14 base runners attempting to steal from behind the dish.
“I’m always glad to see our players go play at the next level. To have that opportunity for McKinley is really good,” Columbia head coach Greg Arnold said. “I think it’s good for her as an individual for her softball career, and I also think it’s good for our program. I believe we’re training up our ladies the best way that we can.”
Arnold added that Newcomer worked really hard to earn a scholarship, and he’s really proud of her for accomplishing her goal.
Newcomer is the daughter of Joe and Victoria Newcomer of Columbia.
The Mississippi Delta Trojans were 1-13 in 2020 before the season was canceled.
