Saying that Reese Dobbins has had a storied career on the softball diamond at Neelyville High School might be a pretty big understatement — and now those accomplishments have paved the way for her to take her game to the collegiate level.
Dobbins recently signed her letter of intent to play softball next season for the McKendree University Bearcats in Lebanon, Illinois, which is in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Dobbins said she originally noticed McKendree because it has a great softball program — then she visited the school.
“After I had talked to their coach and did some research on their school, I went on a visit and fell in love,” Dobbins said. “First off, McKendree has an amazing coaching staff I am extremely grateful to get the chance to play for.
“Another thing that led me there is the location. McKendree is only about three hours from my house in a very pretty town in Illinois, which I love. Finally, I loved the campus. McKendree has a gorgeous, quiet campus which I am extremely excited to get to attend.”
Dobbins had a legendary career playing for Neelyville, earning first-team all-state honors all four years of high school — the first Lady Tigers softball player to do so — and also set the state career record for doubles. She also ranks third in state history for RBIs and extra-base hits, plus fourth in total bases and slugging percentage, fifth in hits and 13th in batting average. Last but not least, she is ranked third nationally for doubles in a high school career.
“I have been fortunate to get to coach Reese the last two years,” Neelyville coach Daniel Sexton said. “Reese has become a legend. The stats she has put up the last four years make her one of the best players, not just at Neelyville but in the whole state. She is an inspiration for our younger girls and is a humble teammate. She is a great example and role model.”
Dobbins plans to major in business administration at McKendree and eventually wants to attend culinary arts school, with the goal of one day opening her own bakery.
She also wants to be a good teammate and hard worker on the field for the Bearcats.
“One thing I would love to accomplish while I attend McKendree is leaving a positive legacy on and off the field,” Dobbins said. “I have always striven to be someone looked up to as a player, but ultimately as a person. I want to be known not only as a great player while I am there, but also as a great student, friend, teammate, and overall person.”
Sexton believes Dobbins will be an asset to McKendree.
“She is going to bring power to the lineup,” Sexton said. “She will immediately make an impact on the team. Along with her great skill as a hitter, she brings versatility to the field. She is capable of playing multiple positions — third base, shortstop and first base. She is actually capable of playing anywhere in the field. She is mentally tough and a great teammate. She’s a servant at heart.”
Not surprisingly, Dobbins' character has stood out the most to Sexton.
“What stands out to me the most is her humbleness, mental toughness and work ethic,” Sexton said. “She is really a special player. She is gifted with great ability and works hard to get better. That’s what it takes to play at the next level. I'm excited to see what she does in the future. I really believe she is just going to keep getting better.”
Dobbins is the daughter of Justin and Holly Dobbins.
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