NWA Sports

HALEYVILLE – As the Haleyville High School Lady Lions play in Montgoomery for another 4A softball championship, two members of the team signed scholarships earlier this week at the school.

Lacey Burleson and Sydney Kiser will be attending college at Calhoun Community College in Decatur.

“These two seniors have meant a lot to the team,” stated Lady Lion head coach Kelly Rushing. “Lacey has started since seventh grade, and she has had a great career.

“Sydney has been our catcher since ninth grade. Both have meant a lot to our program.”

“I’ve loved every minute I’ve played,” said Burleson. “I played six years and I have been blessed.”

A six-year starter, shortstop/pitcher, Burleson batted .400 her junior season with a .433 on-base percentage. She had 64 hits, 32 runs, 32 RBIs, stole 25 bases and struck out 33 batters.

Burleson said she was planning to go into nursing.

Kiser is a four-year starter for the Lady Lions. She batted .351 as a junior with a .400 on-base percentage, totaling 52 hits and 21 runs. She committed only two errors all season.

Kiser was also selected to play in last year’s North-South All-Star Game.

“My family has supported me my whole career,” stated Kiser. “My teammates are the best; they are like family to me. Getting to play at Haleyville and wear the Lady Lion uniform has been a blessing.”

Coached by Dr. Nancy Keenum, who is in her 30th season as a coach, the Lady Warhawks have made seven trips to the NJCAA National Tournament, winning three national titles.

They have also won four state championships.

Twelve players from Calhoun have been named Athletic All-Americans and 15 have been selected as Academic All-Americans.