Wilkerson goes from Tiger to Bobcat

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Swainsboro High School senior Caley Wilkerson has signed a letter of intent to play softball for East Georgia State College next year. A lifelong player of the game and a great example of a “True Tiger,” according to her coach, Caley started out playing baseball in the Dixie Youth program before transitioning to softball at the Swainsboro Emanuel County Recreation Department. She played rec ball for eight years, including membership in travel clubs like East Georgia Crossfire. She is currently finishing out a successful travel career with the Angels-GC out of Rincon.

Caley’s Tiger softball years began at SMS in 6th grade, and she has been a starter for SHS all four years of high school. She made a name for herself as a first baseman with what Head Coach Alicia Hendrix calls "amazing picks" from the bag, but a few years ago took on the challenge of being a catcher and has done a great job behind the plate as well.

What makes Caley such an outstanding athlete is not just the “explosive bat” she has when swinging or even her amazing defensive abilities but that she is the whole package. Caley’s hard work and dedication to her team are a big part of her game. She is always supporting and encouraging her teammates.

Coach Hendrix takes pride in watching her player be successful in and out of uniform. “Her passion for the game radiates every time she takes the field, but she also uses that same motivation and determination in the classroom, and that’s why she is on track to graduate with a 4.0,” she says. Hendrix continues, "It will be hard not having her here with us, but we are excited to watch her just up the road at East Georgia."

Caley finished the 2022 season with a dynamic batting average of .499 with ten doubles and 24 RBI's. In 99 plate appearances, she only had two strikeouts. She also was named 1st Team All-Region. The Lady Tigers' season record was 17-12, with a runner-up title for Region 2A Division 1. They also advanced to the Super Regionals hosted by Bryan County High School.

Joining Caley for the signing event were her parents Travis and Angie Wilkerson, brother Corey Wilkerson, SHS coaches Hendrix, Daniel Overstreet, and Lori Smith, Angels coach Jeremy Gay, Bobcats coach Pat Alexander, fellow Lady Tiger teammates, SHS administration, faculty, and other family members.