SHS senior Jocie Hendrix signed a letter of intent to play softball for the East Georgia State College Bobcats. This step allows her to continue playing the game she has loved most of her life. Hendrix started T-ball at four years old and hasn’t stopped. She’s played recreation ball for Swainsboro Emanuel County for 14 years and, since elementary school, has played travel ball for East Georgia Crossfire and Angels-GC. Hendrix played for SMS and has been a starter for the Tigers since ninth grade. During her senior season on the diamond for the Tigers, Hendrix scored 25 runs, had 28 RBIs, and ten stolen bases with a batting average of .386.
An all-around athlete, Hendrix also plays soccer and earned First Team All-Region and Offensive Player of the Year awards. She’s also been a member of the flag football team since its inception at SHS when she was a sophomore.
Alicia Hendrix has been the softball coach at SHS for five years, but when Jocie became a freshman, the coaching became a family affair since Alicia is Jocie’s stepmom. Coach Hendrix laughs, “During softball season, we spend a lot of time together, and we both get frustrated.” But they both know what needs to be done, “Jocie knows I expect the best from her, and she earns her spot on the field. That makes me proud both as a coach and a parent to know that she is willing to work hard for her position.” This hard work is noticed by more than Coach Hendrix. Assistant Coach Daniel Overstreet, who has been a member of the coaching staff for two years, applauds Hendrix’s knowledge of the game and her ability to help the team win. He says, “She was one of our best defensive players from last year’s team, and you can always count on her to put up competitive bats to score the runs.” It rings true from both coaches that Jocie’s legacy will be how hard work and determination can lead to success.
A signing ceremony was held at EGSC last December, and SHS hosted a ceremony on Monday, May 20. In attendance to celebrate Jocie’s accomplishment were her parents, Hugh and Alicia Hendrix, siblings, Allie and Maddux Hendrix, Coach Overstreet, extended family members, teammates, teachers and friends.
