Riverside’s Vicknair signs with Bossier Parish
Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 29, 2009
By RYAN ARENA
Sports Editor
Riverside’s Ayla Vicknair officially signed a full athletic scholarship with Bossier Parish CC on Tuesday, becoming one of the area’s very first softball players to sign at the next level this year.
“I feel pretty good about it,” said Vicknair after signing her letter of intent. “I was a little nervous at first (today).”
Vicknair, the Rebels’ first baseman, helped to lead Riverside to the Class 2A semifinals in her junior year last season.
“She’s a very good leader for us last year,” said Riverside coach Kristy Hebert. “She’s a positive role model for the younger girls on our team.
“She should be excellent for them. She’s not the tallest first baseman, but she’s got a great glove and a good bat…and I think she’s got even bigger opportunities ahead of her once she finishes her two years as Bossier.”
Vicknair’s parents exuded nothing but pride for their daughter at the signing.
“This is just a wonderful opportunity for her,” said Dana Vicknair, Ayla’s mother. “We’re very proud of her.”
Said Curtis J. Vicknair, Ayla’s father: “The impressive thing is that they spotted her at the tournament, in her junior season. This is a big opportunity.”
Ayla said that while her decision to sign came early, it’s been in the works for awhile.
“I’ve been talking to them since the state tournament, and I really like the coaches and the people there,” she said.
She says that she looks forward to a host of new experiences and meeting new people.
Of course, there’s still one more season with the Rebels to go. And if its anything like 2008, it’ll probably be one to remember — really, just one more fond memory of her time at Riverside.
“I’ve been here since I was little, for 13 years,” she said. “It’s been pretty fun.”