Jackson's Dale signs to play soccer at Southeast

~ The Redhawks brought in one of the Indians' biggest threats.

After Jackson's Chelsea Dale gave her verbal commitment to play soccer at Southeast Missouri State University last July, she was happy to finally officially sign Wednesday.

"It is a relief," she said.

Dale, a first-team all-state forward last spring for the Indians, also received offers from Hannibal, Northern Alabama and William Penn University in Iowa. But she did not take much time to commit to Southeast after being offered a scholarship at the end of her junior year.

"It's a D-I school, and I like the coach a lot and it's close to home," Dale said. "[The coahes] are just really personable, understanding and really knowledgable about sports."

Dale, who trained with the Southeast Sweepers of Cape Girardeau this offseason, said she met some of the current Redhawks players on a visit to Southeast and felt comfotable with them.

"I liked the girls a lot," she said. "They were really nice, and I got along with them really well."

She said she is most excited about helping the team continue its winning tradition in the Ohio Valley Conference.

"[I[']m looking forward to] being a part of them winning OVC championships every year," she said.

Other local signings

• Tyler Martin, Jackson, signed with Lindenwood University to play football.
• Cody Randen, Jackson, signed with Lindenwood University to play football.
• Jenni Tenholder, Jackson, signed with Southwest Baptist University to play soccer.
• Lauren Drewett, Jackson, signed with Quincy College, to play soccer.
• Walker Rice, Chaffee, signed with Central Methodist University to play football.
• Brittany Licare, Scott City, signed with Shawnee Community College, to play volleyball.
• Jenny Lathum, Bell City, signed with Shawnee Community College to play volleyball.
• Jessica Abner, Bell City, signed with Shawnee Community College to play volleyball.
• Emily Essner, Scott City, signed with Shawnee Community College to play softball.
• Becky Holder, Scott City, signed with Shawnee Community College to play softball.