Softball: Odessa High's Walters excited about future with Division II power Angelo State

Chelsey Walters of the Odessa High softball team wanted to go to a college where she could continue her softball career with a competitive program while still getting the right education to pursue her dream of becoming a chiropractor.

Walters found just the program she was looking for - Angelo State University, an NCAA Division II power in San Angelo.

The starting shortstop the past four seasons for the Lady Bronchos, was happy to put her signature on the dotted line for the Rambelles, who were Lone Star Conference champions this year and will play host Friday through Sunday to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament.

"When I went to visit, Angelo State had everything I wanted," said Walters, who participated in Wednesday's signing ceremony in the OHS Fieldhouse. "It has a great biology program and that's something that I wanted because I want to be a chiropractor.

"And the (softball) program is very competitive and very successful and that's another thing I was looking for because I want to be challenged at the next level. Plus, it's close to home and I'm going to get a chance to play right away."

Walters and the rest of the Lady Bronchos, however, have some unfinished business in her senior season.

After waiting two weeks because of the H1N1 flu outbreak, OHS will finally get back to the field at 6:30 p.m. Friday to face El Paso Hanks in the Class 5A bi-district playoffs.

That's where Walters will find herself in the familiar leadoff role for coach Stephanie Graham. It's a spot Walters has occupied since stepping onto the field at Odessa High.

"Chelsey has worked hard for this and I'm very happy for her," Graham said. "Everyone wants to continue at the next level and Chelsey is going to make that program stronger because she has everything a coach is looking for - very good speed, a great glove, she's aggressive at the plate and she just knows about the game."