By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
By now, everyone has probably seen an online video of a hard-working college walk-on being surprised with a scholarship by their coach in front of the entire team.
It’s the sort of uplifting, inspiring content that can bring a smile to your face and warm your heart.
Piedmont’s softball team had something similar take place earlier this week when senior third baseman Paislee Clark was part of a life-changing phone call.
With Clark and the rest of Piedmont’s team gathered on the field before practice Monday, PHS head coach Keith Coleman held up a cell phone during a surprise FaceTime call with Northeast Texas Community College head coach Haley Colwell. After a few seconds on the line, Colwell offered Clark a scholarship to NTCC, which was met with a huge roar from Clark’s PHS teammates.
Clark put both hands over her mouth then wiped away some happy tears before accepting the offer in what was, unofficially, one of the fastest verbal commitments of all time.
🚨🚨🚨
Congratulations to Paislee Clark @Paisleecla37753 who received a very special 📞 call today and an official offer to play college softball at Northeast Texas Community College!! @NTCCSOFTBALL is getting a good one!!! #FAR @PiedmontAth @Piedmont_Iron pic.twitter.com/sRuiC0KzLF— Piedmont HS Softball (@cat_softball) October 9, 2023
“I was completely surprised,” said Clark, who had no idea what Coleman and Colwell had planned for her. “I’m feeling pretty great right now.”
Clark attended a prospect camp at Northeast Texas over the summer and has had the school at the top of her list ever since, but she wasn’t sure if she’d have the chance to play there.
“Before the season, I didn’t think I’d get any offers,” Clark said.
Clark’s parents received word from Coleman about the plan to reveal the offer the night before so they could be in attendance, but not even her teammates knew about the surprise until a few minutes beforehand.
“It made it a very special thing for Paislee,” Coleman said.
Congratulations calls and texts have poured in since Monday, including several from Clark’s older sister, Cozee, who played shortstop on Piedmont’s 2019 state title team.
“She’s texted me three times,” Paislee said. “She’s my biggest fan and I know she’s proud of me.”
Clark has had a big senior season, both at the plate and in the field, which led to the offer for the versatile utility player who is capable of playing every position on the field but pitcher.
She began the season playing wherever Coleman needed her, but has settled in as the Lady Wildcats’ starting third baseman ahead of their state tournament opener Thursday vs. Durant in Shawnee at The Ballfields at Firelake. Clark is batting .281 with two home runs and 14 RBI’s.
“The thing about Paislee is that she’s proven time and again that she doesn’t get intimidated by big moments,” Coleman said. “When you’re playing games that really matter, that’s what you want.”
Clark said it’s a rewarding feeling to know all of her hard work has paid off.
“Being a two-time state champion ranks pretty high for me, but this is amazing,” she said.
