Four Auburn student-athletes officially announced plans Thursday to play at the next level. Carlee King and Olivia Boyd will play softball at Bluefield and Ferrum, respectively, while Scott Bittinger will play football at Ferrum College and Kaitlin Weseloh will continue her volleyball career at UVA-Wise.
The group signed letters of intent in front of family, friends and coaches in the school library.
Both King and Boyd said the small campus feel at Bluefield and Ferrum led to their decisions. The two have been instrumental in a senior class that has put together a 74-16 overall mark for the Auburn softball program. They hope this year’s successful run will push them back into the state title hunt.
King has a long-term goal of being a middle school teacher. She plans to major in secondary education.
Boyd said Ferrum seemed a perfect fit for her. She plans to major in health sciences with a long-term goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Bittinger, a 6-0, 245 defensive lineman, remains undecided on what he plans to major in at Ferrum, but loved the campus upon a recent visit.
Coach Cam Akers praised Bittinger for being one of several players that has helped to transform the Auburn football program into a successful one that it is today.
Eddie Maynard has had only one year to coach Weseloh after she transferred to Auburn from Giles, but called her as an outstanding player during comments on Thursday. She was first team all-conference and second team all-West region this past season.
Weseloh plans to major in elementary school education at UVA-Wise.
The new signings bring the total of student-athletes moving to the next level at over 20 individuals.