South Georgia softball players sign college letters of intent

SOUTH GEORGIA — Five South Georgia softball players signed letters of intent this week to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Clinch County senior Alyssa Giddens signed to play at Thomas University. Giddens hit .387 with six home runs in her final season with the Panthers.

“It feels very relieving with all the hard work and dedication I’ve all put into this,” Giddens said. “I can finally breathe now. I don’t feel so uptight whenever I play anymore. And I’m just thankful for this opportunity.”

Giddens said her coaches played a crucial role in her development over four years.

“For the past four years, I’ve had amazing coaches that believed in me every step of the way,” she said. “And even whenever I doubted myself, I lost confidence. And they always just talked me through everything, and I thank God for them every day.”

The proximity to family influenced Giddens’ decision to attend Thomas University.

“The day I went and practiced with them, they were all sweet, and I really liked their campus,” she said. “I love how it’s not so big, and it’s not like super little. And I love how I can stay close to my grandparents because they live in Monticello. So I’m very thankful for that. And my mom is an hour away. So it’s very good to have family close.”

Four Lady Bulldogs sign

Four players from a team that won two championships in three years also signed letters of intent.

Sayla Schade will attend Piedmont College. Brilee Burkhalter signed with Georgia Military College. Kaylee Creamer will attend Brewton Parker College in 2026. Molly Newburn signed with Valdosta State University.

“It feels so amazing. It’s always been a dream since I was a little girl,” Schade said. “And it feels so much better that I got to do it with the people that I’ve grown up with. And they were by my side the whole time.

Burkhalter said, “It means so much. I’m super excited to see where I can go from here. And to keep just doing the best that I can do.”

Newbern said playing college softball has been a longtime goal.

“It means a lot to me. I’ve always wanted to play at this level since I was little,” Creamer said. “Ever since I started travel ball when I was eight. So this is like a dream for me to be able to play in college.

“I’m very excited to go play at VSU. It’s just a great opportunity that I was given. I’m so excited to be a teacher while I get to play,” said Newbern.

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