October 1, 2007

Graham chooses Virginia Tech

Matthew Brown

Kristen Graham made a history-making decision as far as her high school’s softball program goes. The ace Warner Robins High School pitcher committed to sign with 2007 Atlantic Coast Conference champion Virginia Tech, and thus will become the first Demonette to earn a softball scholarship at the NCAA Division I level.

“I like the campus and the atmosphere,” said Graham prior to Warner Robins’ region home game Monday against Houston County High. “I got along really well with the girls when I went up there (for a visit), and I like the coaches a lot.

“I’m very excited.”

In winning the ACC last year, Virginia Tech had a 15-5 record in conference play and 49-16 overall. The season for the Hokies ended in an NCAA Regional tournament in Columbus, Ohio, where Cal. St. Fullerton beat Virginia Tech 1-0. The final ESPN/USA Softball poll had Virginia Tech ranked No. 14.

“They’re building a really good program up there,” said Graham. “They hope to one day be in the World Series.”

She was also impressed with the campus and its location. The city of Blacksburg, Va., is nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains of southwestern Virginia. The pitcher noted that this historic school, founded in 1872, maintained much of its original look.

“Everything matches,” said Graham. “You can tell it’s an older school. They kept everything the same. It’s really been built up from what they started off with, and haven’t changed anything.”

Graham chose Virginia Tech over Georgia and South Carolina.

“That’s awesome,” said Demonettes head coach Brenda Arnett. “The first Division I player since I’ve been here, so it’s big.”