By Staff
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Tears filled Charity Watson’s eyes Friday morning.
The Washington High School senior, savoring every moment of her special day, likely won’t forget it for a long time to come, if ever.
Watson signed a letter-of-intent to play college softball at Pitt Community College. Seconds after scribbling her name on the dotted line, Watson’s mother, Debra, plopped a set of keys to a new car in front of her daughter.
Confusion swiftly gave way to excitement and pure joy. As tears began to build in her eyes, Watson put a hand over her mouth. Debra and her husband, David Watson, broke out into huge smiles.
The new car seemed appropriate, as the driven Watson has kept her foot on the gas ever since putting on a Lady Pam Pack softball uniform.
The senior has been stellar in her high school softball career, racking up wins and steadily climbing several state pitching-record charts.
The three-time Washington Daily News Softball Pitcher of the Year and her golden arm will take their talents to Pitt Community College next year. She had other options, but Watson said playing for the Bulldogs easily won out.
Bailey said he was excited to land such a quality pitcher.
Bailey believes Watson will have a successful career with the Bulldogs.
Competing less than 30 miles from home is also good news for Watson’s family, including her parents and older sister, Stacy. The trio has played an instrumental part in Watson’s life and pitching career.
Watson’s supportive parents don’t miss any games, and that likely won’t change when their youngest daughter treks off to college.
Though Stacy has her hands full with a young son, she and little Camden attend as many Washington games as possible.
Washington softball coach Doug Whitehead was happy to see his star pitcher sign with the Bulldogs.
As a freshman, Watson threw a no-hitter in her first varsity game, striking out 15 batters in a 13-0 win over Northern Nash.
She hasn’t stepped off the pedal since then. Including her one-hit, 11-strikeout performance in a 10-0 nod over North Pitt to start her senior year, Watson has notched 53 wins.
Thanks to a blazing fastball and a wicked breaking ball, Watson has overpowered hitters the last four years. She has recorded 40 shutouts (fourth best on NCHSAA Record Sheet), 14 no-hitters (fourth best on NCHSAA Record Sheet) and four perfect games.
One of the most eye-popping numbers that jumps out is Watson’s strikeout total, which stands at 897 (sixth best on NCHSAA Record Sheet) and counting.
The all-state pitcher said she’s pleased with the numbers, but is happier with the friends she’s earned on the field.
Watson, who will study elementary education, was happy to sign her letter-of-intent this early in her senior season.
While she plans to enjoy every moment of her senior season, Watson is anxious to show off her stuff in college.
Watson hopes to continue her pitching career after playing for two years at Pitt.
And keep that pedal to the metal.