LINDEN &045; Monday marked a monumental moment for Marengo Academy star Ashley Stokes when she gathered with family, coaches and teammates to officially sign a softball scholarship offer from Mobile’s Faulkner State Community College.

The long-time Longhorn pitcher and outfielder first got the attention of FSCC head coach Paul Jones when former MA standout and current Faulkner State baseball player, Brett Vick, told him of her talent. From there, Jones began checking up on Stokes.

Although she will only be a freshman, Jones anticipates Stokes will make an immediate impact on his ball club.

For Stokes and her family the signing marks the culmination of years of work and the end of an era.

Ashley will spend the next two years as a Sun Chief before plotting her next move. She reports an interest in the nursing program at FSCC but has yet to decide what her long-term plans will be. One thing of which the 17-year-old senior is confident is that she will enjoy her new school.

Aside from her fun-in-the-sun aspirations, Ashley figures to offer a great deal to her new team according to her current coach, Todd Mathis.

Her departure creates a void in the MA pitching staff while also helping to open doors for other Longhorn hopefuls.

To David, Ashley’s success also signifies the success of the Linden summer league program.

Following her signing, Ashley will now turn her attention back to reaching the primary milestone that has thus far proved elusive to her and her teammates, an AISA title.