By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Helena High School three-sport varsity athlete Mekhi Mayfield has signed a scholarship to play softball for the Samford Bulldogs.

Mayfield was surrounded by family, current and former coaches, friends and teammates on Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Helena High School cafeteria for a signing ceremony to celebrate her achievement.

During her time at Helena, Mayfield has excelled as a varsity member of the volleyball, basketball and softball teams while also performing well in the classroom.

Mayfield has decided to further her education and play collegiate softball at Samford University, the place where she grew up practicing and playing.

“When I was little and on my travel ball team we had always practiced at Samford and I’ve always loved the campus,” Mayfield said. “Then one day they called me and said ‘hey would you like to come on a visit?’ I just fell in love and it felt like home.”

During the signing ceremony, Mayfield’s former and current coaches including Scott Tedder, Chris Watson, Mark Sanders and Helena head softball coach Heidi Kouveras all spoke about Mayfield and her accomplishments and even shared funny stories and memories from year’s past.

“It’s been awesome the last three years watching her grow and outside of softball she’s excelled in the classroom too so we’ve been really proud of her accomplishments,” Kouveras said. “I think she’s probably one of our most talented or involved female athletes as far as just playing three different sports.”

Mayfield, a USSA All-American, said there’s also a chance she will get involved playing volleyball at Samford where she plans to major in sports marketing.

As a junior centerfielder, Mayfield helped lead Helena to a runner-up finish in the AHSAA 5A State Championship and next spring she’ll try and lead the Lady Huskies to another successful season against 6A competition.

Mayfield’s favorite thing about playing for Helena the last few years has been the atmosphere and support she’s received.

“Just the atmosphere that Helena provides for me,” Mayfield said. “It’s just amazing, and they always support you in every single way and all the coaches and teachers support you and always encourage you.”