By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–After three strong seasons manning different positions in the outfield for the Helena Huskies softball team, senior outfielder Katie Lively has officially inked a scholarship to play softball for Troy University upon graduation.

The hard-hitting Lively was surrounded by family, coaches, teammates and friends the evening of Nov. 8, as she celebrated her signing with the Trojans.

In her first three seasons with the Huskies, Lively has been a second-team All-County player twice and was also an honorable mention her freshman season.

As a junior, Lively had a strong batting average of .411 with 46 RBIs. She picked up 53 hits including 14 doubles, four triples and five home runs.

Former coaches ranging from travel ball to school ball spent time praising Lively on her hard work ethic and attitude at the signing ceremony held at the Helena Sports Complex on Nov. 8.

Lively was thankful with everyone who had helped her along the way and she elaborated on why she chose to attend Troy.

“I love the coaches. The coaches were probably my main decision factor and I love the campus,” Lively said. “It was like the perfect size, it wasn’t too big or too small.”

Lively said she will focus on being a better teammate and leader entering her senior season in 2018. She also praised the Helena coaches for the impact they’ve made on her high school career.

“They’ve always been so supportive and they’ve gotten me through some slumps,” Lively said. “I think the main thing is that they’re just so positive and they never put me down. They have just always given positivity to me no matter what.”

Lively will be an anchor in the Huskies batting order this spring as she looks to have another solid season at the plate, as well as in the outfield defensively.