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Kelly's Dock to play at University of Ozarks
CLARKSVILLE, ARK. -- A home away from home. That's what Kelly senior Danielle Dock felt when she visited the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark.
She then decided to make her commitment to the Ozarks where she wanted to further her education and softball career.
"I went to a bunch of different campuses and this one kind of felt like home rather than just a college I was going to," said Dock. "I really bonded with the girls and the coaches. That's what really drew me there."
Dock finished her senior campaign with a 15-8 record. She held her opponents to a .134 batting average while finishing with an 0.66 ERA. Her dynamic repertoire of pitches gave Dock a 10.72 strikeouts per game tally which led to 10 shutouts in 2009. She also struck out 243 batters.
With those impressive numbers, Ozarks coach Chelsea Joslin in excited to bring the right-hander in.
"Danielle has the opportunity to come in and re-write records here," said Joslin. "I'm really excited about having the opportunity to coach this talented young lady.
"She is very excited about continuing her education and softball career at Ozarks."
Dock earned All-Region and All-District as well as being named the Standard Democrat Player of the Year just last season. Additionally, she made the Southeast Missouri All-Area Team in 2009. In 2008, she was First Team All-State, All-District and All-Region.
Joslin said that Dock will bring much-needed attributes that goes hand-in-hand with being a pitcher.
"Danielle is very focused and competitive, two characteristics that are needed on the mound," said Joslin. "I feel that she is going to bring something to the team that Ozarks really needs and that is a leader in the circle."
Dock also mentioned that Joslin reminds her a lot of her high school coach, Rhonda Ratledge, which made the decision to play for the Lady Eagles that much simpler.
"She reminded me a lot of coach 'Rat' and I loved that," Dock said. "Their practices were pretty much the same and there was just a lot of things that reminded me of her.
"It would be kind of a let down playing for a college coach that wasn't like her."
Dock has accepted an academic scholarship from the University of the Ozarks and is planning to major in Early Childhood Education.
Ozarks competes in the 15-team American Southwest Conference, one of the largest and premier intercollegiate athletic conferences in NCAA Division III.