By By Tim Cottrell
Cassie Godwin spent most of her life pushing herself to be the best. On Wednesday, her persistence paid off with a full softball scholarship to Pensacola Junior College (PJC).
Godwin, a four-year starter at Northview High School, surrounded by friends and family, signed with PJC in the school's conference room. Also in attendance was Sammy Day, head coach for the Lady Chiefs, and Brenda Pena, head coach at PJC.
Godwin credited Pena as a big part of her decision.
"Coach Pena was really a major factor for me," Godwin said. "All the players at PJC were really happy to play for her, and many of my former teammates had told me that she would be a great coach to play for."
Pena was equally excited to acquire Godwin's services.
"The main thing that attracted us to Cassie was her overall skill," she said. "She can play almost any position on the field, steal bases, and provide a great opportunity for the rest of our players to contribute. We also like to recruit girls with character and Cassie is a fine young woman and we're excited to have her."
Godwin's current coach Sammy Day was equally praiseful of his star player.
"I've been playing her out of position," he said. "She signed with PJC as an outfielder and I've been playing her at pitcher, but overall she is just a great athlete. I could put her anywhere out there and she would be a world-class player. I'll be sorry to lose her, but I'm glad we have her for one more season."
Godwin's parents were understandably proud of their daughter's accomplishments.
"Softball has been a huge part of not only her life, but also ours," said Rene Godwin, Cassie's mother. "She's been playing since she was nine or 10, and we've been supportive and her dad has coached her almost the whole time. It's been a family affair."
Godwin's father, Lamar, said his daughter is fortunate to have had great coaches that supported her and cared about her future.
"I'd just like to thank all the coaches and teammates that have helped Cassie along the way," he said. "Sammy has been great for her, and we'd also like to thank Derek Walters (who coached Cassie on a Mobile Club team known as the Thrillers)."
Despite looking to the future, Godwin still has another season to look forward to with the Lady Chiefs.
"I'm excited to have the distraction of choosing a school out of the way," Godwin said. "I really think this season will be one of our seasons best yet. We have the opportunity to not only remain competitive, but I think we can be even better than last year."
The Northview Lady Chiefs open their season Feb. 22 in Atmore against Escambia County.