By MICKEL PONTHIEUX / Sports Reporter

CHELSEA – Chelsea High School seniors Jordan Gray and Erin Jones have signed to play softball at the collegiate level.

Gray signed her letter of intent with Troy University while Jones inked with Jacksonville State.

“Playing college softball has been a goal of mine since I started playing,” Gray said. “I am honored to have this opportunity, because I know that many athletes share this same dream, but don’t get to fulfill it.”

Jones echoed Gray in her excitement to fulfill her dream of playing college softball.

“The long workouts, games and tournaments have sometimes been tough over the years, but now I realize it was all worth it,” said Jones. “I can’t wait to start this new exciting adventure in my life.”

Gray was recruited by the University of Evansville, UAB, Jacksonville State and Birmingham-Southern. She said Troy stood out after her official visit to the campus.

“The coaches and players were extremely welcoming, and the atmosphere, in all, made me feel at home,” she said.

Gray received interest from University of Alabama-Huntsville, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and North Alabama in addition to Jacksonville State. Gray’s decision came clear after a Gamecocks camp in the summer.

“I felt like the Jacksonville Gamecocks was the best fit for me after attending a summer camp there and discovering that the coaching staff was amazing,” Gray said.

Both Gray and Jones were members of the Chelsea softball team that captured the school’s first state title. Both were also selected to the Class 5A all-tournament team.

“The experience of winning a state championship has played a huge role in preparing me for college softball,” Gray said. “The hard work that me and my team contributed really put into perspective how much dedication is required to compete at the next level.”