Brianna Beech doesn't recall a time she wasn't playing softball.

Her life's passion has been a highlight for the Community Viqueen softball program and even after being sidelined last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling the season, Beech was able to secure a spot on a college roster as she signed her letter of intent to play for Walters State, following her senior season with the Purple and Gold.

"I've been playing softball pretty much my entire life. I don't remember a time when I wasn't. It really means a lot to me, especially to have my family and friends behind me," Beech said.

Primarily a short stop, Beech expects to split time between third and short stop with the Lady Senators.

"They said probably third base or infield area. Short stop is definitely my favorite, but third is probably my second favorite," she said.

Walters State is a competitive program that posted a 35-19 record during the 2018-2019 season, which was the last complete season the team participated in before the COVID-19 pandemic struck and sports seasons were canceled.

With the renown as a top-level two-year school, as well as a good rapport with the team and coaching staff, Beech felt immediately at home within the program.

"I pursued them because of their records and I wanted to go to a two-year school and possibly go DI after. I love the coaches and girls. We've already hit it off," she said.

It wasn't an easy task trying to overcome COVID-19 related hurdles to set up opportunities to meet the team, coaches and visit the campus, but Beech was able to eventually take her official visits and make an official decision of where she planned to pursue a college career.

"We definitely have hurdles to jump over. We had to cancel a few times to go up there. I did get to see the campus and the fields. We had to reschedule like three times. I'm very thankful I got to go up there," she said.

While she's been a staple of the Viqueen program, coach Cam Farrell caught onto Beech's work ethic from an early age.

Seeing her play early on, there was zero doubt in Farrell's mind Beech wouldn't find a spot on a college roster.

"I kind of always knew with her when I saw her as a sixth-grader that she was going to go somewhere. This is the first step for her. I'm looking forward to seeing how far she goes," he said.

"I'm proud of her because she works so hard. I've never had to get onto her about working or doing anything extra. She always goes and gets extra players and makes sure they're working."

Farrell also sees Beech fitting in well at the college level and being able to provide an immediate impact on a highly-competitive roster.

"Walters State is a very competitive program and they always do well. I think it means a lot and gives the other girls that want-to to move onto the next level. The main thing I think with college coaches, they want talent, but they want someone who is willing to keep working. She will never quit working," he said.

Throughout all of her years playing, one memory stood out for Beech above all the rest.

"When I was eight or nine, I was part of this team called the Crushers. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't on that team. I made an error and my coach made me run across the yellow fence until the game was over. After that, I learned. Having coaches like that push me to be where I am today really helped me," she said.

Beech plans to study agriculture business in college.