LIVE OAK, Fla. — Suwannee High School is sending another softball player, and catcher, to play in the college ranks. 

Senior Skylar Redish signed a letter-of-intent Thursday to play for Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.

“Once I went on my visit to Eckerd I just fell in love,” said Redish, who was also considering Stetson University. “It’s right on the water. The teacher to student ratio is 12 to 1. And I feel like I am part of the team already.”

Redish, the latest in the long line of standout SHS catchers, has batted .290 with six home runs and 35 RBIs in 52 games. She’s only had the chance to play two seasons at Suwannee because of an injury freshman year.  

A torn labrum during her ninth grade year didn’t keep her down for long though. Redish was back on the field her sophomore year and contributing immediately.    

“It means so much to me to sign,” said Redish. “When I had shoulder surgery, I never thought I was going to play college ball. It was about a two-year recovery and tough to get back as a catcher because I use my arm so much.”

Redish’s toughness and team-first attitude were some of the topics longtime coach Tim Smith spoke about at the signing. Whether it is Redish’s refusal to get out of the way of an inside pitch — she’s been hit 14 times the past two seasons — or desire to get right back after a injury, she has always been a team player.      

Smith first coached Redish at Melody Christian where, as a seventh grader and part of a young team, Redish helped Melody Christian reach the Class 1A state tournament. 

“She is the example of coachable — a team player and a great kid,” said Smith. “I couldn’t ask for anyone better to coach.”

Before moving on to play at Division II Eckerd, Redish will play one more season at Suwannee. The Bulldogs, who have lost to Baker County the past two seasons in a regional semifinal, should be in for another good season with Redish and a senior-filled team returning.