Mike Ridaught
On Monday, a pair of Gainesville softball players signed their letter of intent to play at the next level.
Catcher Briana Boggs signed with Thomas University, while shortstop Ayanna Woodard signed with Santa Fe College of Gainesville.
The duo helped lead GHS (18-7) to a district title and a state playoff appearance.
“It’s a little, small school, out in the country,” Boggs said of the NAIA school in Thomasville, Georgia. “I love the coaches and it just seemed like the right fit when I was there.”
Boggs was the Hurricanes’ defensive player of the year after committing no errors this season behind the plate. Offensively, she drove in 17 runs.
“She’s just an outstanding person first of all,” said Gainesville coach Chris Chronister. “She’s been playing since she was a freshman, at a very difficult position, especially for a freshman coming in and she caught all four years.”
Woodard led the ‘Canes offensively and was the team MVP.
“She also came to us as a freshman and filled a hole that we had at shortstop,” Chronister said. “She was a key to our success. Offensively, she just took off this year. For most of the year she was hitting over .500.”
Woodard finished with a .488 average and drove in 18 runs. She also had a team-leading 10 doubles.
“This was my favorite season of all,” Woodard said. “Not just because of the chemistry we had but everything that we overcame and everyone that doubted us. We kind of proved everybody wrong.”