Lady Cougar first base player Becky McConnell signs a scholarship to attend and play for William Jessup University Thursday, March 7.  Photo by Maddie Musante

March 13 — Lassen Community College softball star Becky McConnell is not only looking forward to this year’s softball season with the Lady Cougars, she is thrilled to have just signed a scholarship to play for William Jessup University next year.

McConnell is a Susanville native and alumna of Richmond Middle School and Lassen High School. According to McConnell, she has played softball since she was able to, starting with tee ball and beginning softball at the age of 5. This will be her second year playing first base for the Lady Cougars under head coach Glen Yonan. Last year she was awarded second team all-conference. Currently, she has a batting average in the high 300s and has scored two home runs for the Lady Cougars in their pre-season games.

William Jessup University is a private, liberal arts college in Rocklin, Calif. The William Jessup University Lady Warrior’s softball team is currently ranked number one in the California Pacific Conference.

McConnell said she was both excited and nervous about next year’s season as a Lady Cougar. “Nervous because I haven’t been anywhere but here, but excited to be away and play,” she said in Yonan’s office before practice Thursday, March 7. McConnell also said she thinks her greatest challenge next year will not be on the softball field, but in the social arena, as she tends to be shy, which can make it harder for her to meet new people.

After growing up in Lassen County and playing softball for so many coaches, McConnell was full of thanks for those who have coached and supported her throughout the years. “I would like to thank all of my coaches that I’ve played for, especially coach Yonan because he got me this offer. I’d like to thank my family for always supporting me and being there as often as possible,” she said.