NEWTON — Alexis Ferguson has never spent a summer away from the ballpark. Even as a toddler, Ferguson was in the stands cheering on her mother.
Now, the roles are reversed as Ferguson has signed to pitch with the Briercrest College Clippers in their inaugural season competing in women's softball.
Despite only playing 'A' ball for two years, she impressed the coaching staff at Briercrest and is looking forward to her time in Caronport, Saskatchewan.
She has heard about how hospitable people are in her new home and is looking forward to the change.
"I'm happy to be going from the City of Surrey, a city area, to somewhere more out in the country," Ferguson said.
This isn't the first time the Pacific Academy student has made a big jump playing the sport she loves.
Prior to playing rep, Ferguson played house for her entire softball career. Now, the 18 year old is ready to step up to the postsecondary level.
"That was one of the major reasons for me wanting to play at a higher level because I wanted to continue my softball career in post-secondary," said Ferguson.
Briercrest College is a Christian postsecondary institution and, having spent her entire school life at Pacific Academy, Ferguson believes it should be a simple transition.
Even though she admits she doesn't attend church as frequently as she wants to, she is still excited at the prospect of attending Briercrest.
"I think it's good and definitely something I want to explore more," Ferguson said.
Carlie Pagens, a Briercrest graduate, is the head coach of the Clippers and is looking forward to what Ferguson will bring to the team.
"I have heard time and time again from those around her that she is such a positive kid with fantastic teamwork ... a real team player," wrote Pagens in an email to the Now. "What makes her such a great fit for our team athletically is her skill and willingness to play a variety of positions. As a first-year team with a smaller roster than many of the other teams, having girls who have the athletic skill to play more than one position is a significant advantage.
"One of our greatest assets this fall will be our pitching depth, with Alexis being a big part of this. We currently have three signed pitchers who have all played 'A' level ball and are expected to be a significant threat for us on the mound," added Pagens.
The pitcher was accepted into SFU and Douglas College, but decided against both of them when she received acceptance and a $400 scholarship to attend and play for Briercrest.
This is Briercrest's inaugural season competing in women's softball and the school will compete in the Western Collegiate Softball Association alongside University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, Mount Royal University, University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
"A lot of time and effort from a lot of people has been put into building this team, so it will be exciting to see it all come together," Pagens wrote.
Ferguson and her teammates start the season on Aug. 29 with a double-header.