Effingham County High School softball player Shelby Aiken signed a letter of intent last week to play softball for the Emmanuel College Lions in Franklin Springs, Ga. 

Aiken was a starting outfielder for the Lady Rebels’ varsity since her freshman year. After an outstanding senior season, she was named to the first team All-Region team for 2-6A and to the second team All-State team for 6A. 

Aiken said she chose Emmanuel after attending a camp there and being asked back for a visit. 

“I really like the coaches at Emmanuel,” she said. 

“Coach (Kevin) Fagan really knows softball and knows what he’s talking about. I like what I have seen of his style of coaching.” 

The Rebels’ head softball coach Brad Thompson said, “I knew when I first met Shelby at a basketball game that I had somebody that I could count on and who could lead us.” 

Aiken played center field this year for the Rebels and finished the year with a .364 batting average and helped lead the Lady Rebels to the Elite 8 this year in Columbus.