Zachary High Athletics would like to congratulate Katie Browne and Bria Reed for each receiving full athletic scholarships and signing their letters of intent at their signing receptions held Nov. 16.

Browne, 18, a right-handed senior catcher for the ZHS Lady Broncos, will be attending the University of Georgia in Athens to play softball for head coach Lu Harris-Champer. Browne said she received many letters from other universities, such as LSU, but chose UGA because of the coaching staff, its program and the fact that she has family there.

Her head coach at ZHS, Leslie Efferson, also played for Champer when Efferson attended Nicholls State and Champer coached there.

Browne, a 2011 First Team All-State selection, is a three-time All-District First Team honoree who was named the 2009 District 5A "Slugger of the Year" and 2010 District 5A Most Valuable Player. She is also a three-time All-Metro First Team selection and garnered a 2010 All-State Honorable Mention recognition as well.

Katie is the most humble, dedicated and loyal teammate and player," said Efferson. "She also has a tremendous work ethic. You don't get to be where she is and receive a full-ride to an SEC school if you are not prepared to work hard. If you could pick any kid to play underneath you, it would be Katie."

Browne's sister, Jessie, is currently a pitcher at Southeastern University in Hammond.

Reed, a senior forward for the Lady Broncos, will be attending Nicholls State University in Thibodaux on a full basketball scholarship.

Reed, who was also named 2011 ZHS Homecoming Queen, has played basketball since the third-grade at St. Gerard Elementary. As a freshman, she made the All District Second Team, and as a sophomore and junior, was named to the East Baton Rouge Parish and Zachary Invitational All Tournament Teams. In 2010, Reed was an All District Honorable Mention and the MVP of the Christian Life Invitational Tournament.

Head coach April Brown says she is happy to have Reed back from a sports injury. "She broke her collarbone diving for a loose ball in the first round of district play last season," said Brown. "But Bria is like that, she gives 100 percent on and off the court, and she has an amazing work ethic. She works very hard and is extremely motivated. It's no surprise to see Bria here, at this moment."

Brown addressed attendees of the signing and Reed's teammates, acknowledging that it was a great day for Zachary, ZHS and the Lady Broncos.

"It's not just about athletics, you must also excel in the classroom," said Brown, to her players. "Through hard work, determination and a great attitude, you could be here one day."

Both Browne and Reed thanked their coaches, families and teammates for all of their support.