COVINGTON, Ga. — Newton football players weren’t the only athletes who signed scholarships on National Signing Day a few weeks ago. Hayden Pearson, a Lady Ram softball player, also signed to continue her career at Augusta University on Feb. 2. 

Now that her next step is solidified, Pearson has felt a huge weight lift from her shoulders. 

“It’s a relief to be able to just look at the next few months knowing I have a plan,” Pearson said. 

Having this plan for her collegiate career came after consulting with her coaches, a few teammates and, more importantly, her family. 

At the end of the day, though, Pearson recognized that Augusta University would not only help her athletic career but help her academic aspirations, too.

Currently her plan is to major in nursing to become a labor and delivery nurse. 

Pearson’s final decision came, though, after she paid a visit to the campus. 

“It was memorable because I had the opportunity to practice with the team and get to know them,” Pearson said. “It just felt like home.” 

This opportunity would not be possible, Pearson said, without her time as a Lady Ram. She specifically mentioned head coach Virginia Waters who’s been there all four years of her high school career. 

Pearson stressed that Waters has been an influential part of her development as a softball player. 

“She believed in me and let me take the circle as a freshman,” Pearson said. “She has taught me many things. Her calm, cool nature is what helped our team. She’s not a coach who coaches with fear, but coaches with love.” 

In addition to Waters, Pearson highlighted how special the bond has been with her and her teammates, too. If it wasn’t for her teammates, helping her along the way, Pearson said, she does not know the player she would be today. 

“Every friendship I made is a friend on and off the field,” Pearson said. “I played with some talented teammates who pushed me to be my best and had my back no matter what.” 

Now, after her high school graduation in a few months, Pearson will be off to Augusta University to become a Lady Jaguar beginning in the fall. 

But, before she retires her title as a Lady Ram, Pearson recognized how special being a student at Newton High School has been to her. 

“Newton has taught me so many lessons on the field and in the classroom,” Pearson said. “I’m so thankful for the opportunities I had as a Ram.”