Published: May 14, 2008 12:46 pm            

EHS’ Kelsey Hancock reunited with Davis at Bacone College

Infielder joins former coach’s recruiting class

EMPIRE — Kelsey Hancock welcomed a familiar face to the Empire High School library Tuesday when former Lady Bulldogs’ softball coach and current Bacone College skipper Clay Davis arrived to welcome Hancock as the newest member of the Bacone softball team.

Hancock joins a 12-player class at Bacone, Davis’ second at the helm, and will join friend and former Rush Springs’ player Stormi Foster on the roster.

“It’s always been a dream of mine and I’m happy that I’ll get the chance to do it,” Hancock said. “Nothing is ever really certain until you sign that piece of paper and make it official, so I’m thankful to have it done.”

Bacone went 30-29 last season and 19-5 in conference play, reaching as high as ninth in the regional rankings.

Hancock will make the switch back to first base after playing third this season.

“That might be the biggest transition for her, but she will be able to come in and help in the middle of our lineup,” Davis said. “I knew that we were getting a player with great work ethic, so we’re excited to have her.”

Hancock added that having been coached by Davis added some relief to the recruiting process.

“It was comforting, but he treated me like every other softball recruit,” Hancock said. “That’s what I wanted. I’m in the same position as the rest of the girls.”

The Lady Bulldogs went through a down season after Davis’ departure to Bacone, but Hancock feels it made her a better player.

“He went to better himself and we were happy for him, but it was difficult to play through that,” Hancock said. “Playing for someone you are not familiar with is tough, but as a team, we worked through the best we could.

“I couldn’t let it affect my game because it was my senior year. I had to keep improving, and I am happy I did.”

Hancock joins fellow classmate John Freese (baseball) and former classmate Michael Ivey (football) as Bacone signees.

“Having them (Freese and Ivey) up there will be nice,” Hancock said. “They’re people we can carpool with.”

        

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