River View’s Heddleson signs with Kentucky Christian

River View High School senior Bella Heddleson (center) signed her letter of intent on March 5 to continue her academic and athletic career at Kentucky Christian University. She is pictured with her dad and mom Jerry and Kim Heddleson. Josie Sellers | Beacon

WARSAW – After two knee surgeries, Bella Heddleson wasn’t exactly looking to play college ball, but a trip to Kentucky changed all that.

“I’ve had two ACL surgeries,” said the River View High School senior. “I hurt one knee in eighth grade basketball and hurt the other one this year in volleyball. I’m in rehab now. I’m not going to let me injuries define me.”

Heddleson looked into attending Kentucky Christian University at the urging of her friend Savannah Shumway from Tri-Valley High School and loved what she saw.

“It has a great atmosphere,” Heddleson said. “It’s small and is my style. I loved the team too.”

She signed her letter of intent to continue her softball career at Kentucky Christian on March 5 in the library at River View while surrounded by family and friends. Her mom and dad, Jerry and Kim Heddleson were very excited for her.

“One chapter is getting ready to close for her and another is opening,” Jerry said. “She is going to get a very valuable education and that is priceless to me.”

Kim added that they are glad Bella is able to continue on in softball.

“We were afraid she wasn’t going to be able to so we are excited to see her keep playing,” Kim said. “She’s been playing since she was in elementary school. We weren’t ready to give it up yet.”

Bella is a utility player for the Lady Bears and can play second, short and outfield. However, offense is her favorite part of the game.

“I’ve got the bat to prove it, but my Dad and I work together a lot going to the batting cage and doing the little things,” Heddleson said.

She is ready to get out on the field with her team one last time.

“What I’ll miss the most about high school softball is my team,” Heddleson said. “Last year we made it to the regional semifinals and were ECOL, sectional and district champs. My team is my biggest accomplishment. I wouldn’t succeed without them.”

Head Coach Bonnie Infante will miss Heddleson next year, but was happy to see another one of her seniors sign to play in college.

“This senior class is very hard working,” Infante said. “I’ve just been fortunate enough to coach them through four years of high school.”

She added that Kentucky Christian is getting a hardworking, versatile player in Heddleson.

“She can play many different positions and is a good hitter,” Infante said.

The coaches from Kentucky Christian stopped by for Bella’s signing right after appearing at Shumway’s at Tri-Valley.

“She’s got pop in her bat and hits very well for her size,” said Kentucky Christian Head Coach Dave Miller. “She’s athletic and a wonderful kid. We are very excited for this next class.”

Heddleson plans on majoring in biology/pre-physical therapy.

“I want to thank my dad and mom, my friends and family and my physical therapists,” she said. “My advice to others is to be resilient in what you do.”

Category: High School, Sports