A former Lady Blue Devil softball player is taking her game to the next level after signing her Letter of Intent Tuesday at Escambia County High School.

Minikai Smith, a recent graduate of the ECHS Class of 2010, has chosen to take her talents to Judson College where she will enroll this fall and play for the softball team next spring.

Smith said she was excited about playing in college, and added she is ready to get on the field.

“It feels great to have the opportunity to play college softball,” Smith said. “I’m just ready to start playing.”

Smith’s journey to Judson began after she spoke with school representatives at a college fair.

Word got to the school’s athletic director, Lee Jones who also coaches softball, that Smith was interested in playing softball.

Jones said when he heard Smith wanted to play he offered her a tryout.

“One of our representatives talked to Minikai about our school and she told them she was interested in our softball program,” Jones said. “She came up for a tryout, and really hit the ball well, so we decided to give her a shot. Hopefully, she can help our team out.”

Smith’s opportunity to play college softball is one that makes her high school coach proud.

William Casaday, the former Lady Blue Devils softball coach, said he does not know any other players who deserved a chance more.

“In the four and a half years that I have coached there have been a lot of guys and girls who have signed to play with colleges,” Casaday said. “During that four and a half years though, there hasn’t been anyone who I wanted it for more than Minikai. I wish her the best of luck, and think she will do great at Judson.”

Smith will begin school at Judson on Aug. 15 and already knows what she will study.

Smith said she is interested in the school’s biology program.

“I am going to major in biology,” Smith said. “I want to study that, so I can become a cardiologist.”