SIGNING DAY: Meldrum headed to Enterprise State for softball

Emma Rose Meldrum will play softball for Enterprise State next year. (Tim Gayle)

By TIM GAYLE

Sometimes, it was difficult for college recruiters to gauge Emma Rose Meldrum’s ability because she was always changing positions.  

The Trinity senior, a six-year starter in softball, hit the playing field as a catcher and moved to shortstop at times but occasionally found herself at third base, second base and in the outfield.

“When she got here in seventh grade, I had no problems putting her anywhere in the field,” Trinity coach Stan Milton said. “She was going to go compete. But catcher was her best spot.” 

On Wednesday, Meldrum signed with Enterprise State Community College, still uncertain where she’ll play.

“Wherever I’m needed,” she said. “The main positions where I’ll be seen is catcher or middle infield, but if they need somebody to play outfield, I’ll be there. Wherever they need me, I’ll be there.”

Meldrum is a three-year all-Capital City Conference player, making the all-CCC team last year as a utility player, the respect opposing coaches gave to a player who could play just about anywhere. Despite the constant changes, she never gave up on her dream of playing collegiately.

“It’s always been something where I wanted to strive to get to that position,” Meldrum said. “I’m just so thankful I got to the position where I’m able to.”

And while she isn’t sure what position she’ll play in college, she’s thankful for the opportunity to play at Enterprise State.

“I wanted to stay closer to home,” she said. “They’re a great program. The coaches are incredible, they’re really nice people and they know how to get work done. There are plenty of resources there to help me -- after the two years there  -- in going to a different college. They’ll help me get there.”

Milton said Meldrum’s signing ceremony on Wednesday was noteworthy for a program that went through several coaches and was close to shutting down before Milton took over a year before Meldrum’s arrival.

“It’s a big day for our program,” he said, “from where we were several years ago, possibly not even having a team, to having Rosie sign and play at the next level. It’s big not only for Rosie but also her class and for all the girls that are coming up and want to stick with softball, to see you can make it to the next level, even at a smaller school like we have.” 

Meldrum has played virtually every position but pitcher, although Milton remembers the time he put Meldrum in the circle at practice.

“She tried to pitch but hit too many people,” he said.

But there’s still one season left to make a name for herself in that position as well.

“We’re down to (ace) Marley (Sharpless) and a seventh-grade pitcher,” Meldrum said, “so I might have to come out of retirement -- I pitched in the third grade -- to help relieve our other pitchers. I’m a little wild so I’d be careful not to stand too close” to the plate.