Vikettes’ Fletcher signs with Columbia International

Published 2:23 pm Friday, January 19, 2018

VALDOSTA — Lana Fletcher sat at the table many Lowndes players before her have sat to sign for their futures. There were balloons and softball memorabilia. Family, friends and coaches. The familiar Lowndes backdrop with the Viking logo in the center.

She posed for photos, many photos. Then, she made her way around the room to individually thank people for coming.

The Vikettes’ pitcher signed a letter of intent with Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina, at Crimson Coliseum on Friday morning.

“I was nervous because of how far away it was, but I was excited because it’s a Christian school. So I’m really excited about going to be in a Christian environment,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher, who was an infielder in addition to her pitching duties, made her visit to CIU in early December and said she plans for a return trip in February.

“Everybody was so welcoming,” she said. “They all said, ‘Can’t wait to see you next year,’ and they were all happy for me and wanted to see me again.”

Fletcher said her four years as a member of the Vikettes taught her how to succeed as a team. She said reciprocating encouragement to teammates helped the winning process.

“I know when I work hard, they work hard, too,” she said.

Said Vikettes coach Stewart Thomas: “(Lana’s) worked so hard to get to this point today. There’s been highs and lows and that’s why I’m so excited for her, because through it all, this is what she’s worked for. And here we are today celebrating an awesome day for her to play at the next level.”

Fletcher played travel ball for Florida Select and plans to join the CIU Rams in the fall. The Rams hired Sara Allen in June 2017 as the program’s first coach. Fletcher said she plans to meet with her team this summer when the school hosts a softball camp with its recruiting class.

“Lana is going to tremendously boost our pitching staff,” Allen told CIU Athletics. “She has some great junk and knows how to place her pitches effectively to fool hitters. She has a very confident and steady presence, both in herself and in the defense behind her, and that mindset is going to be invaluable in helping build cohesiveness in our team as we learn to compete together.”

Fletcher helped Lowndes to a 28-6 record as a senior, including a perfect 6-0 mark in Region 1-7A competition. She had a 2.10 ERA in the circle. The Vikettes’ 2017 season included a 10-game win streak and an eight-game win streak and an appearance in the second round of the Class 7A state tournament.

“She brings a different dimension in the circle that’s very effective,” Thomas said. “She brings leadership that we’ve been able to build on, and we’re going to miss her tremendously. I’m excited to see what the next level has in store for her and the contributions she’s going to have to Columbia International.

“… She grinds in the circle, she fills it up, she throws strikes, and if she does that at the next level, there’s no doubt she’ll be successful.”