Shelbyville Central's Hannah Burks will continue her education - and softball career - at Motlow State Community College.

The talented pitcher/infielder just completed her senior season and was a four-year starter for the Golden Eaglettes.

"Ever since I was a little girl, I had always dreamed about playing softball in college," Burks said. "I have grown up basically living at the softball field, so having the opportunity to further my education and be able to play softball at Motlow State Community College is really a dream come true."

She feels Motlow is a perfect fit for her at this stage of her life.

"One of my favorite things about Motlow State Community College is that it is close to home. With it being so close, my parents and grandparents will be able to come to my games more often. Also, with all that is going on in the world, going to Motlow was my best choice. It will help me prepare for my future, with little to no debt," Burks said.

She will always cherish the memories of playing at Shelbyville Central and summer travel ball.

"Playing softball at Shelbyville Central High School has truly been a blessing. It has made me the player I am today," Burks said.

"I've had to learn to overcome adversity and work through my weaknesses. However, I wasn't able to do this on my own. Throughout my years playing at Shelbyville Central High School I have had some of the most amazing coaches ever that always told me to push my limits and to give your all each game. One of my favorite Coach Shaun (Whitaker) sayings is "Trust your training." This sticks with me especially when I am hitting because it boosts my confidence. Overall, playing softball at Shelbyville Central High School has truly been a blessing in disguise because it has shaped me into the person I am today," Burks said.

Burks is especially appreciative of the support she has always received from her family and friends.

"My parents have always supported me, especially my mom. She has always been my number one supporter. I can remember all the late nights at the ball field, just to wake up at the crack of dawn the next morning to play again. Throughout my 15 years of playing softball, my mom has never complained once about it but instead has stuck by my side the entire time. After every game, she always likes to give me a speech about what she thinks I could have done better. Although I hate hearing them, they have made me a better ballplayer. If it wasn't for my mom, I wouldn't have this opportunity to play the game I love."

"I have met some of my lifelong best friends through playing travel softball. Playing travel softball is much more than just playing softball, it's about creating memories that will last a lifetime. Some of my favorite memories while playing travel softball are team sleepovers. All the girls stay the night at our coach's house and we would just have the time of our life, it is truly incomparable. One time we all rode to Walmart in the tailgate of our coach's truck at 2 a.m. and every time we saw a cop we would all duck so we didn't get pulled over. Another one of my favorite memories is when one of my teammates set the fire alarm off cooking bacon at midnight, and everyone made me go wake up our coach. A final memory that is softball related is at one tournament down in Columbia. It started raining, and all the games were rain-delayed, so all the teams that were still there went into the parking lot, and we had a dance battle. All in all, there is something special about playing travel softball that is more than just softball, it is all the friendships I have made along the way and will always hold a special spot in my heart."

Burks plans on majoring in Health Sciences at Motlow, then pursuing a career in pharmacy.