By ALEX ABATE ~ DAR Sports Writer

ELLSINORE -- Bethany LeGrand was a leader on the field this past season for the East Carter softball team and that leadership has brought her to new heights.

LeGrand recently signed her letter of intent to attend Southwest Baptist University next fall to play softball.

"That is where coach (East Carter coach Angie) Bowman went, and I really like the school," LeGrand said. "The coach is real nice and everything, just the location (is good)."

Bowman is confident in LeGrand's skills heading to the next level.

"I think that Bethany is a very well-rounded player as well as an individual," Bowman said. "I think she will be a great asset to their squad up at SBU."

Bowman sees LeGrand developing into a solid contributor through here career with the Lady Bearcats.

"I think that she can become a leader," Bowman said. "Going in as a freshman at a university, it is going to be difficult, but I think you strive to do that and I think she has that potential."

Southwest Baptist finished last season at 14-27, going just 4-14 in conference play.

LeGrand is hoping her solid work ethic will pay off for the Lady Bearcats.

"I am just real dedicated," LeGrand said. "I will put 110 percent into everything that I do."

LeGrand batted .256 her senior season for the Lady Redbirds and drove in five runs. She had an on-base percentage of .462 over the season. She was on district title team her junior season before the Lady Redbirds were knocked out in the semifinals of districts Thayer this past fall. She is still looking to improve in some areas before her freshman season.

"Probably my depth in the field is not as good as it needs to be," LeGrand said.

LeGrand drew 17 walks over the course of her senior year and showed some speed as well as she was 8-of-8 on steal attempts. She struck out just five times all season. As far as defense, she played mostly in the infield over her final season with East Carter but pitched and played a variety of positions in years past.

"She can play either (infield or outfield)," Bowman said. "I do see her as an infielder because she is smart. You have to be smart to play an infield position, especially up the middle where she is best at."

The initial jump to a fouryear university will be something new for LeGrand at first.

"I think when you are at a small school, you don't really get the whole picture of what that (high) level of play is," Bowman said. "When she gets there, that will probably kind of put her into shock for a little while until she gets into the groove of things."