CHOCOWINITY — On the mound, Savannah Mumford wastes little time before striking with precision and when it came time for the Southside senior softball star to decide where she wanted to play college ball she moved the same way.
Though there were plenty of offers from various schools, Mumford didn’t hesitate to pick Pitt Community College.
“I wanted to stay close to home and I wanted to play on a team with girls I knew and was familiar with,” Mumford said. “It’s a good fit. I’m excited.”
Southside coach John Lohman agreed and felt Pitt would be good bridge to a four-year school should she choose to walk that path.
“I think it’s good because there’s not Div. I pressure. It’s a good stepping stone with good competition,” Lohman said. “And, it’s close to home so people can still see her play and she can figure out if it’s something she really wants to do for the long term.”
The decision to play at Pitt was supported by Savannah’s parents, Doug and Shery Mumford, who won’t have to take a long car ride to see her perform.
“We’re just proud of her all together no matter what,” Shery said. “But, I wanted her to go to Pitt because it’s close to home.”
Doug said that Savannah’s happiness is all that counts.
“She’s always exceeded any of our expectations and we just want her to have fun and enjoy life,” Doug said.
Mumford, who went 18-5 last season and struck out a career-high 205 batters to win her third straight Washington Daily News Pitcher of the Year honors, was recruited as a pitcher but will also get a chance to play in the outfield for coach Junior Bailey’s Bulldogs.
Far from a one-dimensional player, Mumford hit .539 last season and has good speed to match her sweet swing. When you put it all together Mumford is that total package and a player that Lohman felt can excel at PCC no matter where she plays.
“She’ll have no problem playing outfield,” Lohman said. “She’s fast, has good judgment on the ball and a good arm. She’d be good anywhere you put her.”