Aubree Thacker, now a former Alcovy softball second baseman, signed her letter of intent to play softball at Emmanuel College on Wednesday afternoon at Alcovy in front of an overwhelming number of friends and family who came out to support her.

Aubree was seen making key plays for the Tigers this season both on offense and defense and will surely be missed as she moves on to college. Aubree’s mother, Jennifer Thacker, says that Aubree had her pick of colleges and after touring some she chose what was comfortable for her.

“I liked that it was small and the coach was nice,” Aubree said with a wide grin on her face. “They had the major that I wanted and they have a good softball program.”

Aubree plans to major in pre-dentistry and minor in business. The Lions plan to play her at second and/or outfield Aubree says. As a player, Aubree says that Emmanuel coach Kacey Alexander liked that she was aggressive and a leader.

“She’s a go-getter. She works hard all the time,” Scott Beazley, who coached Aubree in travel ball for the last three years, said. “Extra practice, extra BP [batting practice]. She had a lot of fielding time with me on the field, just me and her. She’s always worked hard.”

Beazley worked with Aubree on her infield defense, double plays and turns. Beazley says that she is a very hard worker. Since Alexander couldn’t be at the signing, she sent Aubree an email.

“We are truly blessed and looking forward to have her joining us in the fall. Aubree, God has blessed you with an amazing ability. Keep working hard and honor him with it. We love you girl and we are excited that you are now a Lion,” the email read.

Jennifer Thacker said that she was a proud, excited and nervous mom after the signing. She held back tears of joy talking about her daughter’s accomplishments. Aubree’s grandfather, Charles Thacker, who was in attendance said he felt just as proud.

“Aubree’s always been into sports. Her dad was and I played a little bit when I was a kid, but it seems like the more generations we go through the better they get. Aubree and [her sister] are going to wind up being better athletes than their dad and I ever were” Charles Thacker said laughingly. “She’s always loved ball and she’ll do what they tell her to do. She’s a very coachable kid. We’re real proud of her.”