By Chris Moore

Special to The Orange Leader

Bridge City’s Brooklyn Droddy was surrounded by friends and family recently as she signed her national letter of intent to continue her softball career at Mississippi Delta Community College.

Droddy, who will play in her senior season for the Cardinals in the spring, has already racked up impressive accolades for her play on the field. Coming into this year, Droddy was named 2022 All-District honorable mention, Softball Heart Award, Player of the  Week in March of last season and 2024 2 nd  team All- District. 

While Droddy had offers from other schools, she said she selected MDCC because of the impression the staff left on her during her visit.

“It felt like home and where I needed to be,” she said. “I took some time because I still had a few more visits, but they just didn’t feel like that. They were very welcoming, and it felt like family.”

Droddy said she has known she wanted to play college ball since she was eight and had been playing the sportsince she was 4 in a T-ball league. She added that a weight had been lifted off her shoulders, allowing her to focus on the team in her final season, and not a college selection looming. 

“Even after just signing, I feel free,” she said. “There is no stress.”

Cardinals head coach Kylie Bradley said the senior has given her all to the program. 

“Anytime she steps on the field, she is there whole-heartedly,” Bradley said. “That is the biggest

compliment I can give to a player. She is there at all times and wants to be there at all times. She leads through her drive but also makes the game fun without losing her focus, which can be hard to do. She wants to  win, but doesn’t let that get in the way of remembering

that we are there to have fun.”

Last season, the Cardinals finished first place in district with a perfect 12-0 record in district play. Bridge City also made it to the third round of the playoffs. Droddy said she hopes her team can retain the district title this upcoming season, which starts in February.