Long County ace softball pitcher Harley Dawson Friday signed scholarship papers to play for Columbus State University in the fall.

Dawson, who has been a four-year starter for the Lady Tide said she is excited about playing at the collegiate level.
“It’s very exciting,” Dawson said. “I’m really ready to start this next chapter of my life and see where it takes me.”
Her parents, Julie and Jeff Dawson, were also excited.

“Wow, I’m so proud, not only of her athletics, but of how she excels in the classroom too,” Julie Dawson said. “She works so hard, but still maintains a 4.0 average, what more could a mom ask for. When she started playing at 10, her dream was to play college ball. To see her fulfill a dream, that neither she or I ever expected, it’s an awesome feeling.”

Jeff Dawson said he had mixed emotions.
“It’s scary, her being so far from home, but its good at the same time,” he said. “I have a lot of pride in what she has accomplished. She’s a hard worker, self-motivated, and you don’t have to tell her to do anything.”

Lady Tide coach Brian Thomas said he also thought Dawson would be successful at college.
“Her biggest strength is her work ethic, both on the field and in the classroom,” the coach said. “Next year, she will contribute to the Columbus team right away, and will be competing for one of the starting pitcher slots.”

Dawson thanked all who attended her signing, and all who have helped her.
“There are a lot of people, too many to thank,” she said. “But I will say I am thankful to everyone who has pushed me to be the best that I can be.”

As a four-year starter with the Lady Tide, Dawson has won many awards, including being named to the 2-AA All-Region team for all four years.
She will join a Lady Cougar team that went 24-26 in 2015 and 9-15 in the Peach Belt Conference.