Cali Dunn wanted to pursue a softball career after her time at Munford High and play for a college that will prepare her for the future. Arkansas State University at Mountain Home, that will have its first softball team in the fall, caught her attention.
The scenery of the college campus prompted Dunn to finalize her deal with Mountain Home and signed her letter of intent with the NJCAA school. She will be under Head Coach Joann Baeten playing as a Trailblazer.
“Just a really great kid and she’s academically solid,” Baeten said on why she wanted Dunn. “Softball wise she’s an outstanding player. She came and worked out for us a little bit. After a minute I was like I hope she comes out and plays for us.”
The softball team plans to make its debut next season, and Baeten is aware of the trying to recruit players to a first-year program, but she is confident that the team’s success and the surroundings will attract them.
“Being a start-up program is a little difficult getting a kid to come way out here, about a 4-hour drive,” she stated. “Once I get kids to come out there, we have incredible facilities. Our campus is gorgeous, and we have state-of-the-art facilities. We have the cheapest tuition in the state of Arkansas. Our campus is just beautiful. We have an indoor facility, great fields and unbelievable support from the city.”
According to Baeten, Mountain Home was listed as the top 50 most beautiful small towns in Southern Magazine.
Dunn was joined by her parents, Alyssa and Justin, and grandparents- Arnold and Robin Caldon- in her signing ceremony held in the Munford High cafeteria.
Author: David Perry
Writer
