Mary Margaret "Meaux" Turner, a senior at Zachary High, made history Wednesday, March 23, as the first player to sign a national letter of intent with Baton Rouge Community College's Lady Bear softball team.

"We're very proud of Meaux," said Leslie Efferson, head softball coach at ZHS. "Meaux has worked very hard to get here. She's a great example to the younger players that hard work does pay off."

Turner, who plays center field and sometimes steps in as pitcher for the Lady Broncos, thanked everyone for attending her signing. "I really want to thank everyone who pushed me to become a better player," she said.

BRCC head softball coach Stephanie Zellner said she always knew Zachary was one of the best programs in the state. "I knew they were good, but I wanted to see for myself," Zellner said. "It was during a scrimmage with St. Amant that I saw Turner make some amazing plays. I knew then I had to sign her."

BRCC already has a baseball team and women's and men's basketball teams, but the 2011-12 season will be the first for the BRCC Lady Bears softball team, and Turner will make history once again by being on that team.

Turner's parents said other programs were interested in their daughter, but she really liked the BRCC campus and coaches.

"It's really convenient," Turner said about signing with BRCC. "I get to go to school, be close to home and play softball for my school."