Tennessee Temple's Amanda Jordan signed papers in front of the Temple student body on Wednesday to play softball at Samford University.
Amanda is one of four Temple students out of a senior class of 26 to go Division 1.
The power hitting catcher and shortshop was homeschooled by her parents, Chris and Angie Jordan of Apison, until she started Temple in the 11th grade.
Temple Coach Greg Brown noted that, in addition to softball, she decided to try out for basketball as well, though she had never played.
He said, "She had to be taught the rules. She didn't know what three seconds meant. But I was real glad to see a girl 6' come out for the team."
Amanda wound up All Region in basketball and was part of Temple's best girls' basketball team.
Her father, Chris, agreed to coach Temple's softball team, which he said started the previous year and "didn't win a game all season."
Last season's edition won several games - thanks in large part to Amanda, who had been a part of several regional and national title teams while playing with softball traveling squads through the years.
Chris Jordan said, "She had some frustration about losing. But I told her she would learn there was more to the game than winning."
He said opposing pitchers often walked Amanda, but when those who dared let her see a ball "she made them pay. She hit six or seven home runs."
Mr. Jordan said he is committed to the Temple softball program and plans to stay on after Amanda graduates. Daughter Maria is also at Temple and a future candidate for the team. Younger brothers are Jonathan and Christian.
Mr. Jordan said he made many long trips with Amanda to softball tournaments as far away as Colorado and Seattle. "There are a lot of good memories," he said.
He operates his own business, Jordan River Productions. His father is the well-known artist and musician, Jim Jordan.
Amanda was highly recruited, and at the end it was between Trevecca and Samford.
Amanda told the student body she always dreamed of playing college softball - since she started tossing and hitting at age 5.
Amanda with County Commissioner Curtis Adams
- Photo2 by John Wilson