Falcons' Edwards signs with N.C. Central University

South Central’s Shakemia Edwards still has one season left in her Falcon softball career, but she’s already made plans to join North Carolina Central University starting in the fall of 2009.

Edwards will play for an Eagles team that drew her attention on her official visit.

“I went to visit Central, and it was a really nice campus,” Edwards said. “I like the coach (Mike Charlton). He reminds me of my travel ball coach, Mr. Ken (Andrews).”

Edwards said she appreciates the support she’s had throughout the years from all of her coaches.

“I’ve had a lot of good coaches, even when I was playing at Sara Law when I was 8 up until high school,” Edwards said. “I’ve always had good coaches who pushed me hard. I think if I wasn’t pushed, I would be just an average player.”

Last season with the Falcons was Edwards’ first under SC caoch Walt Davis. The team stormed through the regular season and continued its winning way in the playoffs, securing the Class 3-A state title.

“It was a big adjustment going to coach (Walt) Davis,” Edwards said. “He just pushed us really hard, and he saw how much talent we had and what we were capable of.”

Not even into his second year at the school, Davis has seen a handful of his players accept chances to play at the next level. He said it has more to do with the entire softball system in Pitt County, including youth leagues, than what he was able to do in one season.

“I think it’s great. It means we’re doing some things right,” Davis said of all area softball coaches. “It means someone’s coaching them right when they’re young. I know her father (Percy Edwards) and a lot of people have worked a lot with her. We’re always excited to see somebody go to the next level.”

Once in college, Edwards is looking forward to things on and off the field.

“I’m looking forward to traveling and playing good competition,” Edwards said. “I think it’ll be exciting. I’m also looking forward to being able to start becoming a nurse. I’ve wanted to do that for a while.”

Contact John Swartz at jswartz@coxnc.com or (252) 329-9592.