When it came time for Cascade senior Cenzie McAnally to choose a college to continue her softball career, she didn't have to look much farther than her own backyard.

Recently, McAnally signed her letter of intent to continue her career at Motlow State Community College.

From her earliest days with the Lady Champions, McAnally has been a vital part of the batting lineup and has been one of the biggest power hitters in recent history.

"Ever since my freshman year, my coaches have been telling me to look at colleges. Motlow has always been up there because of their nursing program. I've heard nothing but good things about it.

When I got to talk to them, everything was good. I like the facilities and that's just how it worked out," she said.

In addition to being a consistent power hitter for the Lady Champs, McAnally has thrived as the longtime backstop for Cascade.

It wasn't always a loved position for her, however.

"When I was little, I hated catching. Around 10U I started catching again and fell in love with it," she said.

Like virtually every other player in the world, her game hit a pause last season as COVID-19 hit the world, which forced the cancellation of her junior season.

Even with the season being canceled, McAnally continued to put in the necessary work so when play resumed, she would be ready.

"It was driving me crazy. I was always outside hitting or doing something," she said.

The ongoing pandemic also affected the recruiting process.

"I haven't been able to do anything just because of COVID. The entire program was shut down for the longest time," McAnally said.

Even with the pause in play, McAnally was on Motlow's radar from the get go.

"It made me feel good that the college was interested in me. There should be a catching position open up, which is fantastic because hopefully I'll get to play my freshman year," she said.

McAnally plans to pursue a degree in nursing and hopes to transfer after two years at Motlow and not only continue her path in the nursing field, but also hopes to continue her softball career as well.

While she's made her prowess as the Lady Champion catcher and the consistent power hitter, McAnally says having her teammates behind her after slugging a home run is one of her favorite memories of playing.

"I love running the bases and seeing my team at home plate cheering me on. It's just a great feeling," she said.

While she's still several months away from reporting to Motlow, the fact she won't be far from home is perhaps the biggest bonus of being able to play with the Lady Bucks.

"I love being close to home with my family," she said.