Serious stats
In her senior year Mills had 90 strikeouts, nine walks, 11 scored runs, 19 hits (nine singles, six doubles, three triples and a homerun), nine RBIs, a .302 batting average and a .397 on base percentage.
She had 154 strikeouts in her junior year.
Lady Tide hurler Kayla Mills signed a scholarship Wednesday with Middle Georgia College to play softball for the Warriors next year.
"I’m thankful to everyone who helped me get to this point," the ace pitcher said.
Mills played for Long County High School all four years of her career and has been the team’s starting pitcher since her freshman year.
She was named to the All Region 2-AA team and named the Blue and White’s most valuable player this past fall.
Long County Athletic Director Karen Swindell watched Mills grow from a freshman into a senior and had plenty of praise for the athlete’s ability on the diamond.
"She dominated most of her opponents on the mound and constantly kept the batters off balance and took advantage of their weaknesses. She’ll be successful at the next level due to her great work ethic," Swindell said.
Lady Tide coach Jennifer Alfirov said Mills earned her way to the next level.
"She really deserves this," Alfirov said. "She’s talked about (playing college ball) since she was a freshman, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. I believe with all of my heart she will be successful."
Middle Georgia College softball coach Ken Phillips also was at the signing.
"Physically, she is a good player. She has good movement and control, and her speed will get better," Phillips said. "When she tried out for me, I watched her to see how she acted with her parents, my other players, with everyone. I liked what I saw in her conduct."
Mills’ family also was at the signing.
"First of all, I’m thankful to God for giving her the talent to pitch like she can. She’s going to a good school with a great coach, so I’m happy. I’m also sad about losing my girl to softball, but I know she’ll be back," said Mills’ father, Shawn Mills.
Kayla’s mother, Shandale Mills, was thrilled for her daughter.
"I’m so proud of her. To remember when she was so young, having this dream, and now seeing her accomplish it, it’s a real blessing," Shandale Mills said.
In joining the Warriors, Mills will be a part of a program that went 36-13 last year and won the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association tournament for the third time in six years.
"I knew when I was 12 years old that I wanted to play college softball," Mills said. "I’m proud of myself, but more than that I feel very blessed to be able to now get a chance to play at that level."