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For many years, softball has been an important part of Lily Norman’s life. That dedication to the sport has paid off with the chance to play at the NCAA Division I level.

Norman signed her national letter of intent at the Coffee County Central High School library Tuesday afternoon, marking her official decision to continue her academic and athletic careers at Middle Tennessee State University.

“I’m so excited. I’m just ready to see what else that I can do,” Norman said. “I just feel like I’ve worked so hard and I’m just ready for the next level.”

A pitcher, Norman won 18 of her 26 starts as a junior this past season, with eight shutouts to boot. At the plate, Norman came away with five home runs, 20 RBI and four doubles.

For her efforts, she was named to both The Tennessean’s All-Midstate Team and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s Region VII All-Region Team.

Norman said she was drawn to the MTSU program during the recruitment process due to the coaching staff, as well as the proximity to home.

“The coaches, especially, were so welcoming,” Norman explained. “It’s also 30 minutes up the road and so my biggest thing was being able to come and see my family. I’m a really family-oriented person, so being able to see my family whenever I can have the opportunity to is really big for me.”

Off the field, Norman plans to study construction management with a minor in business.

She added that she was thankful for the support of her family and coaches, as well as her faith, for helping her reach the next level.

“I want to thank my parents obviously and then my coaches that have helped me, my pitching coaches, my hitting coaches, my travel ball, high school coaches. Also, obviously God,” Norman said. “Just everybody that’s had an impact.”