NEWBERRY — Samira Elkins, Newberry High School senior, will continue her softball career at Allen University, after signing her letter of intent on Tuesday.

“I chose Allen University because it was a better opportunity for me so I can further my sports education in softball,” Elkins said.

Elkins started playing softball in the seventh grade, she said she has enjoyed the sport because she can be herself, more than any other sport she can play. To help get herself to the level to play for Allen University, Elkins said she would constantly practice with people already on that level.

“I pushed myself a lot more than I usually do,” she said.

During her time on the softball team, Elkins played as an outfielder. Her coach, Katie Howell, said she is excited that Elkins decided to go off to college and play.

“She’s always had the ability to do it, and over the past couple of years I’ve really seen her develop and want to get better, a lot of times in your senior year, kids just want to slack off, have fun and get through the year. However, through the whole year, she definitely wanted to get better,” Howell said. “Even at the very last game, she is still asking what she did right, what she did wrong, how she can improve. I’ve just known she could do it, this season has really put a fire under her, and she worked really hard to get through it and to be able to do this and go off to Allen University and play.”

When it comes to playing for Allen University, Elkins said she is looking forward to a lot more experiences than she currently has.

“I plan on participating in everything I can,” she said.

Elkins plans on majoring in business, she said she chose this major because she is currently taking cosmetology at the Newberry County Career Center, and she’ll have her license when she graduates.

Rachel Williamson, Elkins’ aunt, said it was absolutely wonderful seeing her niece make the decision to play for Allen University.

“I’m so proud of her, it has been a long journey. Her mom passed away almost five years ago, so I’ve been raising her,” Williamson said. “I’m going to attend every game I can, going to try and be there every step of the way.”

Now that Elkins is about to say goodbye to Newberry High School, she said she is going to miss everything, her coaches, and her friends that she made on the softball team.

Samira Elkins (center) signs to play softball at Allen University. She is pictured with, in no particular order, Eddie Elkins, ElMurray Bookman, Richard Rikard, Coach Katie Howell, Rachel Williamson, Braylon Williamson and Coach Frankie Jackson.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_DSC_0018.jpgSamira Elkins (center) signs to play softball at Allen University. She is pictured with, in no particular order, Eddie Elkins, ElMurray Bookman, Richard Rikard, Coach Katie Howell, Rachel Williamson, Braylon Williamson and Coach Frankie Jackson. Andrew Wigger | The Newberry Observer

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.