News Release

When it came time for Mallory Hall to decide which scholarship offer to accept, the Prairie View catcher had done her homework carefully & thouroughly.

Ultimately, Hall was looking for a place where she could play immediately. When Hinds Commnity College promised a starting position, Hall's decision was made.

"The main reason I'm going to Hinds is I was guaranteed a starting position," Hall said in announcing her verbal commitment. "I didn't want to go somewhere and sit on the bench for two years. By going to Hinds, I can play two years and go on to a bigger school."

Over the past couple of years, Hall has heard the phrase, "You're too small to be a catcher," more times than she would care to count. During a recent visit to the

Raymond, Miss. campus, she asked Hinds' coach Mike Grzanich his opinion on the matter. Hall was somewhat surprised by the former major league pitcher's answer. "I've always been told that I was too little to catch," Hall said. "When I asked Mike about that, he said, "No, you're not too small to catch. You're going to start for me next year."

Hall's size was never an issue at Prairie View where she was a five-year starter and helped the Lady Spartans to the MAIS Class 2A state championship last fall. A skilled bunter with speed, Hall is a prototype No. 2 batter. "Mallory forced a lot of mistakes with her speed." said Prairie View Principal/softball coach, Ed Bain.

"She has a strong arm. Hinds' head coach really liked what he saw from Mallory. She's just a super young'un. We're really going to miss her next year."

Besides Hinds, Hall was recruited by Louisiana College, Mississippi College, Belhaven and several junior colleges. She eventually chose Hinds over LC. "I can't

stand to tell somebody no, so calling the other coaches and telling them I was going to school somewhere else was very stressful." Hall said. "I'm glad it's over with."

Along with the prospect of immediate playing time, Hinds' location suited Hall. "I wanted to go away, but not too far away." said Hall, who resides in Mer Rouge.

"It's not but a couple of hours away." A 3.5 student, Hall's long-term plan is to enter the physical therapy field. Hall was a five-time first-team All-District selection for the Lady Spartans.

As a senior, she compiled a .286 batting average with a .367 on base percentage and 27 runs scored while helping Prairie View to a 22-3 record. Capping her career in style, Hall slugged a home run as the Lady Spartans blanked Bowling Green 9-0 to capture the first fastpitch state championship in school history.

The Lady Spartans' team captain, Hall was selected to play in the MAIS All-Star Game where she met a future teammate, Jackson Prep shortstop, Logan Dukes.

During the summer, Hall plays travel ball for the West Monroe Fury and the Bayou Bombers. Hall will officially sign on Thursday, Jan. 21st. A signing ceremony

has been scheduled for 11:30 a.m. in Prairie View's main gymnasium.

Bastrop Enterprise 1/8/10

story by Marq Mitcham