Just a few of weeks ahead of the beginning of the 2020 high school softball season, Washington High School’s senior slugger Kaylee Elks signed to play her collegiate softball at Pitt Community College on Friday morning in the Pam Pack’s media center.

Elks has showcased a high-level of consistency throughout her two years of starting varsity for the Lady Pam Pack. Her sophomore season, she batted at a .318 clip with 21 hits, 24 RBIs including six doubles and three home runs. She also touched home plate 19 times on the year.

In her junior campaign, she batted .306 with 11 RBIs, 10 runs, two doubles and a homer.

Late in the season, Elks predominantly played third base and showcased her fielding ability and strong arm. She will likely play infield again in her senior season.

Elks helped lead the Pam Pack to a 22-1 record with three playoff wins, and a regional final game appearance against Eastern Randolph, falling just short of a spot in the state title game.

Elks will re-join one of her former teammates at PCC next year, as Summer Campbell is entering her first season with the Bulldogs. Elks expressed her excitement during her signing day.
“Well, Summer is my best friend, and that is one of the biggest reasons I chose to go play at Pitt next year. So to get to play with her and continue my journey after high school, I’m really excited to get there, meet new people and get the whole college experience,” Elks said. “Playing softball in college was something that I always wanted to do, but I never really thought about it a lot until Summer decided to play for Pitt. So, I went to their camp a couple of months ago and everything just worked out.”

Elks said that her goal for the 2020 season is to have as much fun as possible and soak up her last high school experiences.

“I just want to do my best and have fun. I know I’ll get to play beyond this year, but things will be a little different after high school,” Elks said.

Head coach Doug Whitehead was very complimentary of his senior slugger and said Pitt will be lucky to have Elks on the team.

“Pitt is getting an extremely dedicated softball player. She’s strong, she’s fast, she has a cannon for an arm. She can catch, play the infield or outfield, she’s an all-around player. The only thing she doesn’t do is pitch, but she could’ve potentially done that before, too,” Whitehead said. “She has a love for the sport. I watched her grow up. Her (grandparents) and I went to high school together, I saw her parents grow up, too, so it’s a little bit extra special. She comes from a good family with good roots. … Pitt is getting a special young lady.”

Whitehead also believes that Elks having some familiarity with a teammate will help her transition to college.

“I think that’ll ease her transition there. It’s a huge difference from high school to college, and I think (Campbell) will be a great influence for her,” Whitehead explained.

Elks and the rest of the Lady Pam Pack will begin their 2020 season with a road trip to Roanoke Rapids on March 3.