Central Heights senior Sam Stegner has progressed every season for the Viking softball team. She was a varsity player from the beginning.

She matured from a timid player to a leader on and off the field. Part of that was just the natural process, the other was how hard she worked on her game.

Central Heights senior Sam Stegner has progressed every season for the Viking softball team. She was a varsity player from the beginning.

She matured from a timid player to a leader on and off the field. Part of that was just the natural process, the other was how hard she worked on her game.

Stegner plays year round, including the summer with a team out of Olathe. She caught the eye of some college coaches. Independence showed a lot of interest last summer.

The staff came to watch her and recruited her.

Stegner found the campus and program to her liking. The Viking senior signed with the Pirates Thursday in the school library.

“It has always been my dream to play softball [in college],” Stegner said. “I have worked really hard to get there.”

Stegner has played several positions. She is an infielder and pitcher.

Independence recruited her to pitch and be a utility player.

Stegner said there were several qualities she likes about the school and the softball program.

“It is small,” she said. “They have athletic training program. That is a benefit. I like the coaches. They are family-oriented. It is all right there on campus. It was like home.

“The coaches have been there for three years. Coaches are out there to help us improve. I really enjoyed going there.”

Central Heights coach Kent Schulte said the Independence program is turning things around.

“Their program is on the rise,” he said. “I look forward to catching a few games next year.”

Schulte said Stegner still has room for growth because of her work ethic.

“She is on of the first girls to practice and the last to leave,” he said. “Last two years, she has become a real leader. She led us in hitting, RBIs and slugging percentage last year. We are counting on that big time this year.

“She has a challenge this year. She is the only pitcher we have. She will throw a lot of innings. She is looking forward to it.”

Schulte said it is important for girls to play as much as possible if they want to move on past high school.

“It is almost vital anymore,” he said. “They play more games in a month than we do the whole high school season.”