Dublin, West Laurens standouts sign to play college softball

A pair each of senior softball players out of Dublin and West Laurens have added their names to a growing list of local athletes from the class of 2026 with plans to continue playing at the next level.

The Raiders’ Jacely Hogan and K.K. Wilson, and Lady Irish Emily Maddox and Mylee Wicker, each signed recently to make their college playing destinations official.

Here’s where the four will be taking their talents next year…

Hogan headed for Liberty…

Jacely Hogan’s recruitment this past season was mostly a one-and-done proposition, as the West Laurens slugger knew from almost the start of the process that Liberty University was the place she belonged.

The Flames were the very first school to contact her – literally at midnight when the fall recruiting window opened Sept. 1 – and instantly seemed like the perfect fit, though that would be confirmed as she got a closer look at the Christian university (based in Lynchburg, Tennessee) and everything its softball program had to offer.

“The coaches, I just felt like I really connected with them on my visit,” Hogan said. “All the players and everybody was so genuine when I went there.”

She’ll join a former teammate in Caitlyn Nesbitt, with whom she shared the field her first two high school seasons at Dublin, before moving to the Westside starting in the fall of 2024.

Hogan’s exceptional bat, top-of-the-lineup speed and serviceable glove, which led the league in both places, went along with a quality pedigree (parents Todd and Brin were both college ballplayers) as part of a highly sought-after package at the next level.

She played primarily shortstop in high school, but has some literal and figurative range that’ll make her a good fit at a number of potential positions, from outfield to middle infield, at Liberty.

“(I’m looking forward to) just getting there and being able to meet everyone and enjoy a new campus and life,” Hogan said.

Maddox bound for Brewton-Parker…

The journey of Dublin infielder Emily Maddox from softball newcomer to two time all-region honoree, in just a few years since middle school, has been a remarkable one that goes to show it’s never too late to turn over a new leaf.

The Irish senior, who blossomed into one of her team’s most dependable players, recently signed to play at Brewton-Parker Christian University.

“Being here today feels surreal,” Maddox said. “Four years ago, I was just trying something new with no idea it would become a passion that would shape my life. It amazes me how far dedication, faith, and support from the right people can take you.”

She finished her Dublin career with a .354 batting average and 51 RBIs, along with multiple team and region accolades.

“Her character and hard work are second to none,” said Dublin head softball coach Josh McLendon. “For someone to pick up organized softball in middle school and develop into a college-level athlete in just a few years speaks volumes about the effort she has put in.”

Wicker announces for Andrew College…

Dublin outfielder Mylee Wicker will be continuing her softball career at Andrew College, after signing during a visit to the Cuthbert-based school (which will be turning the page from JUCO to NAIA starting next fall) earlier this month.

Wicker recorded a .457 OBP in her time with the Irish (which was limited by injuries), and also had a top GPA and leadership skills the Fightin’ Tigers were drawn to in recruiting.

Wilson goes with Georgia College…

West Laurens catcher K.K. Wilson became quite familiar with Georgia College over several seasons watching her older brother Bradley (a top pitcher and conference champion with the Bobcats a few years ago) play baseball there.

At first, she didn’t envision winding up in the same place. But a change of plans this fall will have her following some similar footsteps to Milledgeville.

“They went very far with him,” said Wilson, who signed to make the destination official late last month. “I saw where he succeeded there, and I felt like I could do the same thing.”

The Raiders’ four-year starter, whose impact at and behind the plate goes all the way back to their 2022 state title run her freshman season, was originally committed to North Georgia, before changing her mind due mainly to Dahlonega’s distance from home.

After some conversations with the Bobcats, she landed in a familiar place not even an hour up the road where she’s excited about the possibilities.

“It’s a great program, great coaches,” Wilson said. “I’m most looking forward to meeting new people, continuing my softball career and just being able to have fun and build a new community around myself.”