WOODVILLE — Wilkinson County Christian senior Caroline Walker had a dream to play college softball.

And thanks to help from a handful of people, her dream came true last Thursday.

Walker signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Southern Miss. When she reflected on achieving her ultimate goal, Walker said there were several people she wanted to thank, starting with her parents.

“My dad helped me from day one,” Walker said. “My dad’s been there to help me practice and keep up with every sport I play. Without him I may not have gotten to play college ball.

“My mom has always helped me with my studies and helped me keep my grades up. I’m pretty self motivated with my studies, but she helps me understand things.”

Walker was also thankful for several people outside her family that helped nurture her in the sport of softball.

“Bill Empfinger, he helped me when I was little bitty,” she said. “He got me playing on a tournament team in Baton Rouge, because he knew I needed to play tournament ball in order to have a chance to play in college.”

In her senior season at WCCA, Walker hit .651, drove in 18 batters, hit three home runs and stole 23 bases. Her skillset as a softball player is something she credited to Yogi Doyle.

“He’s been my coach for many years, and has helped me a lot with my skills and strengthening myself enough to where I could compete at the next level,” she said.

When Walker began sending out information and videos to prospective colleges, Jim Hewiitt was there to lend a helping hand, she said.

“He’s the man who first helped me to get USM to look at me,” Walker said. “He helped with all the paperwork and stuff, and sent it to different colleges.

“He’s the main one that helped me with the recruiting process, because without him, I didn’t have any idea what to do.”

Walker said she also considered Missisippi State, Belhaven and a few other smaller schools, but chose Southern Miss because the atmosphere felt “at home.”

“It’s two hours away from here, I like the campus and the coaches are nice,” she said.

Competing in different camps during the summer helped showcase her as a college prospect, Walker said.

“Doing that cut into practice time for softball this summer, but I have a good high school coach (Ray McDaniel) that told me to get to college and play college ball too,” Walker said.

In addition to playing softball, Walker is also a standout in several other sports. She runs track at WCCA, and plays basketball and tennis.

In softball, Walker was named to the MAIS South State All-Star team this past season. She is also a three-time team MVP, a three-time All-District selection, two-time Gold Glove award winner and has won a district MVP.

“I try to be the best that I can be at everything, and the awards come with it,” Walker said.

“I just go out there to have a good time with the high school girls, because it’s over so fast. I just give 100 percent, and whatever happens, happens as far as the awards.”

Walker said she was recruited to play the middle infield at Southern Miss, but would be OK with moving to the outfield if need be.

“It doesn’t matter to me. Getting to play is my goal,” she said.