Patriots’ Chambliss Signs Scholarship

MADISON- While Erin Chambliss prepares for her senior season of softball at Bob Jones she recently decided to sign an athletic scholarship with Wallace State Community College at a ceremony held at her high school.

The senior for the Patriots chose the program located in nearby Hanceville over other schools showing interest such as UNA and UAH. “I look to study biology with my thoughts of being a physical therapist,” said Chambliss, daughter of Mark and Pam Chambliss.

The talented multi-position player for the Patriots, playing infield and catcher, underwent knee surgery in the summer of 2015 and six months of physical therapy rehabilitation. It was during her downtime of going through numerous sessions of therapy she came up with the idea of tackling the medical field.

“My therapist was a huge inspiration to me going through my many hours of rehab,” said Chambliss.

Going into her senior season for the Patriots, the 5-foot-4, 145-pound Chambliss has played in 123 games with nine homers and 49 RBIs with a .389 slugging percentage and a .315 on-base percentage. Her dedication to the sport is nearly unmatched as she puts in many hours and asks for additional reps during practice. She said she’s working this year to be more consistent at the plate.

“I began playing softball at age five at Palmer Park,” said Chambliss. “Actually I decided to play baseball with boys my first year and then switched to softball. Matter of fact, playing in tournaments at Palmer Park with Bob Jones brings back a lot of memories for me as I love the sport of softball.”

Chambliss carries a 4.0 grade point average and gives her faith in God much of the credit of her being an elite athlete and student. She currently is in the Co-Op Program with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and attends FCA functions at area schools either speaking to or assisting in running the FCA Huddles within its program. She also spends many hours in the FCA office.

“Signing a scholarship is a dream come true for me as God has given me the ability to be an athlete,” said Chambliss. “Coach (Whitney) Deaver here at Bob Jones has pushed me to be the best I can be.”