A SIGNING DAY HONOR Dynamic pitcher inks NLI Poyen’s Kodee Batchelor signs to play college softball at OBU; Fulfills lifelong dream of becoming a collegiate athlete
POYEN — It was another proud day in Indian Country Thursday at the Jerry and Ouida Newton Arena when Poyen’s impressive standout ace pitcher Kodee Batchelor officially made her dreams a reality and signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Ouachita Baptist University—joining the Lady Tigers athletic program.
Batchelor started playing softball early when she was 9-yearsold—and throughout the years have blossomed as a dynamic performer on the diamond. She has always loved playing softball and imaged performing on the collegiate platform. She knew with hard work and staying focused would lead to an opportunity to fulfill a longtime goal—now it’s happened and she’s very excited this dream has come true.
Batchelor mentioned this opportunity is exciting but very nervous to step on the collegiate level.
“I’m very nervous, but I’ve put in a lot of work,” Batchelor said. “I am really excited, the coaches there are amazing—it’s going to be a new experience—but will be fun.”
She has loved performing in a Poyen Lady Indian uniform throughout her high school athletic career. Batchelor said she loves the school and community atmosphere
in Poyen—also playing with her teammates. She mentioned that it’s been great to have assistant coach Keith Barrett a part of the Poyen softball program and that her senior year will be exciting.
“I’m really excited about my senior year,” Batchelor said. “Overall, I’m thankful to all of my coaches, and all of the girls.”
Poyen softball head coach Blue Kesterson was very proud of Batchelor to have the opportunity to continue a athletic career in college as a student-athlete.
“We all are really proud of Kodee,” Kesterson said. “It’s a lifelong dream for her and to sign a NLI just shows what hard work does for you.”
Kesterson has coached Batchelor all throughout her high school career. Last season, Kodee recorded 10 wins and 11 losses from her damage in the pitcher’s circle. She kept the strike zone smoking from launching 1,244 strikes and struck out 88 batters— threw 369 first pitch strikes— only 46 walks while facing 580 batters.
She earned All- Conference honors and received the team’s most outstanding pitcher award last season.
Batch el or emphasized for her senior season, she just wants to have fun—improve and build up more confidence in herself.
She is so thankful for her parents and everything they’ve done to help enhance this special opportunity and dream to come true.
“I really want to thank my parents for everything they have put into my softball career,” Batchelor stated.
She’s been a diamond performer all year around playing travel ball with the Arkansas Premier and Arkansas Thunder 18U softball teams.
Lastly, Batchelor emphasized how exciting she is getting to play softball at Ouachita Baptist University. She is very fond of the university, its collegiate athletic program and culture. To fulfill this longtime goal at OBU is a great opportunity she feels is an honor.
“It is an honor to be playing softball for OBU. It took a lot of hard work to get there,” Batchelor said.
Now, Batchelor has made an important step and decision in her life and she is looking forward to continuing another special journey in her athletic career as a OBU Lady Tiger.
Joining Batchelor on signing day were her parents Heath and Shanna Batchelor and brother’s Bo and Trip Batchelor, along with a host of close friends, family, coaches, and teammates Thursday.
Kodee is a part of history in the Poyen softball program, joining several former standout Lady Indians who have inked NLI further their athletic careers on the collegiate diamond.
“It is an honor to be playing softball for OBU. It took a lot of hard work to get there....” —KB Kodee Batchelor