Surrounded by family, friends and teammates, Mabry Grace Briggs signed a scholarship to play softball for Gulf Coast Community College on Wednesday afternoon.

Briggs, who has played shortstop for the Varsity Lady Cats the past four years will be playing outfield at her new home.

“She has worked really hard to get here,” Beth Briggs said. “I’m just really proud of her.”

Mabry Grace said she chose the school because the she really loved the coaching staff and it made her feel at home. In addition to that, she would see some familiar faces from her travel ball team, which made her feel comfortable.

Although playing at a collegiate level will be somewhat different, Mabry Grace feels adequately prepared.

“The coaches here have taught me lessons on and off the field and just how to handle myself better,” she said.

Coach Christopher Bryant insists though that this has been a team effort.

“There have been a lot of people involved in helping Mabry get to where she is, but anybody that has worked with her has been blessed to do so,” Bryant said.

Bryant said he intends to go visit Mabry and watch her the play the game she loves as much as he can.

Mabry Grace said she looks forward to next year, especially living at the beach and she intends on getting her two-year degree before transferring. She is unsure what she wants to do after that, but one thing is for sure. She wants to continue playing the game she was born to play.