By Barron Demon
Brittney Rayfield made her decision and verbally committed on March 12 to play for Flagler College.
Rayfield, who originally played for the University of South Florida (USF), is now a sophomore at Pensacola State College (PSC) noted “a lot went into the decision.”
Eckerd College initially offered Rayfield a full ride scholarship, but Rayfield was eager to have her name on a future Flagler roster.
“My mom wanted me to go with the offer [Eckerd College], but I really wanted to go to Flagler.”
Flagler is in St. Augustine, Florida, which is located just south of Jacksonville, Florida where Rayfield is originally from.
She spent most of the weekend driving to meet with the coaches. Jacksonville was her first stop to speak with family. Rayfield then drove to Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, then back to Jacksonville before leaving to come back to Pensacola.
Between the trips, Rayfield conversed and did minor activities with Flagler players and left a great impression.
Despite the impression, Flagler’s decision didn’t come until later that night, which left Rayfield waiting anxiously to hear back from the Flagler coach.
“I didn’t get a text until about 9:30 that night, but she finally texted me back and made an offer.”
Rayfield was happy to receive the good news and was ready to drive back to Pensacola. She showed good sportsmanship before driving back and contacted the coach at Eckerd College to thank and inform her of her decision.
“She is super awesome and an amazing coach, and I got along with her really well, so that was a hard decision.”
The trip was successful, and Rayfield left with an offer from the school and team she hoped to play for. “It was hard for me, but it’s business. These are my next two years and it’s my future.”
For now, Rayfield continues to play softball as a Pirate, and her team looks to make a push into the postseason.