Softball standouts Ellefson, Brown ink LOI’s

Published 9:14 am Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Keeping with the trend of softball excellence in the area, Lafayette’s Haley Ellefson and Suwannee’s Savannah Brown signed letters-of-intent to play college softball.   

Ellefson, a three-sport standout at LHS, signed with Florida Southwestern State College of Fort Myers on Tuesday. 

Haley Ellefson Stats at LHS

Batting

Pitching 

“A couple of months ago I decided I was going to go to FSW,” said Ellefson, who had verbally committed to the University of South Carolina Upstate as a sophomore. “Academically it fits. I want to go into the medical field. It’s also closer for my family. 

“I’m very excited. I’m the first one in my family to go to college.”

A power-hitting lefty and ace pitcher, Ellefson has impressed since she began playing with the varsity team at the end of her seventh grade year. 

She’ll get a chance to showcase her talent at one of the top NJCAA schools in the country. The Buccaneers had a record of 66-7 last season and finished third at the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament in just their second year of existence. 

At the signing, Hornets softball coach Tommy Chambers spoke about Ellefson’s work ethic and leadership.   

“Haley is a coach’s dream,” said Chambers. “Because of the competitor she is, losing doesn’t sit very well with her. 

“She’s a leader by example. When you go to a practice, you really can’t tell if it’s a practice or a game. She always gives 100 percent and that’s one the reasons she has the opportunity to sign this scholarship.”

After recently finishing the volleyball season, Ellefson is gearing up to start basketball season. She’ll then move to her final year of softball at LHS before going to college.

Brown, a power hitter who has shown the ability to excel defensively at shortstop and in center field, signed with Valdosta State University on Tuesday. 

She credited her coaches for her success, most notably her dad.

“My parents are a really big part of it,” Brown said. “I started playing when I was 5. My dad always coached me growing up. All my coaches helped me mold into the ballplayer I am today.”

A three-year starter at SHS, Brown had originally planned to play softball at Jacksonville University. But her plans changed, and after visiting VSU three months ago, she committed to play for the Blazers the next day.     

Suwannee High School teacher and softball PA announcer Terry Fillyaw, Brown’s travel ball coaches and SHS softball coach Jeff Smith all spoke at the signing, praising her for her dedication and hard-work.

Savannah Brown stats at SHS

Brown will play her final year at SHS for Smith, who has coached her the past seven seasons through both middle school and high school.

Quick hitters with Savannah Brown and Haley Ellefson