By DAWN ARNEACH
ONE FEATHER STAFF
After years of softball practice, games, and camps, Shelby Parker’s dream of playing at the next level just came true. With family, friends, coaches and supporters watching, she signed a letter of intent for Furman University on Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Shelby Parker signs a letter of intent to play softball at Furman University while her parents Mike and Tracy Parker look on. (Photo by Dawn Arneach/One Feather)
Shelby, an EBCI tribal member, has been a two-year starter for the Swain County Maroon Lady Devils softball team with an overall record of 50-13, an 0.868 ERA and 670 strikeouts.
In her junior year at Swain, she was named District 8 1A Pitcher of the year after posting a 9-2 record. Parker even pitched two perfect games on the season – the first on March 4 against Hiwassee Dam and the second on March 9 against Highlands.
Parker also played internationally as part of Team North Carolina at the 2008 North American Indigenous Games held in Canada.
“I am extremely proud of her and all she has accomplished,” said her father Wolftown Rep. Mike Parker. “I cannot wait to see what she can do at the College Level.”
Furman is located in Greenville, SC and is home to the Lady Paladins softball team. Playing in the Southern Conference (SoCon), they play such teams as Western Carolina, Appalachian State, ETSU, Samford, Georgia State, and others.
Parker is shown representing Team North Carolina at the 2008 North American Indigenous Games held in Canada. (Photo courtesy of Don Bodger/Cowichan News Leader Pictorial)
Also in attendance to watch her sign on Tuesday were her coaches and teammates at Swain County High School as well as Vice Chief Larry Blythe and Yellowhill Rep. David Wolfe.
Shelby lives in the Wolfetown Community. Her parents are Mike and Tracy Parker, and her grandparents are Carrol and Maybel Parker.
