PLANTERSVILLE — Dallas County High School softball player Avery Mott put a bullseye on her goals as a student athlete. For the last two years she has wanted to play softball for Faulkner University in Montgomery and Thursday that dream came true when she signed her letter of intent.

Making it official, Avery said, was a joyous occasion.

“I’m ecstatic,” she said. “I’ve always known I wanted to stay close to home, so this is a good fit.”

The standout third baseman, who said she wants to major in secondary education and become an algebra teacher, said she has dreamed of becoming a collegiate athlete since she first picked up a bat and ball. She also said she wants to cement her legacy at Dallas County with some hardware.

“Ever since I was little I wanted to play college ball,” she said.

“Now I just want to be the best I can be and win a state championship.”

Avery’s choice of college, her mother Carol said, was great news.

“We are so proud she gets to keep playing the sport she loves and she is close enough that we can see her play,” Carol said.

Talent, supplemented with a strong work ethic gave Hornet head coach Ed Miller little doubt she could reach the next level. Miller said Avery is a complete player.

“She works hard,” Miller said. “They got a good third baseman and hitter. Good leadership too.”

Faulkner, head coach Hal Wynn said he scouted Avery at Dallas County and with her travel team. Her full-speed approach to the game, he said, made her scholarship offer an easy choice.

“I think she is going to strengthen us up on defense,” Wynn said. “We know she is a hard worker, and that’s probably the most impressive thing. We have watched her practice and we were very impressed.”