Since the age of 4, Straughn senior Kayla Messer has been playing a sport she loves — softball.

Last week, Messer signed a softball scholarship to play at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette, her home town.

Messer moved to Andalusia when she was a freshman at Straughn and since then, has compiled an impressive record.

In 2008, Messer had a 0.394 batting average, hit 11 doubles, eight triples, eight RBIs and scored 52 runs.

In 2009, her batting average was 0.381, and she scored 42 runs, had 36 RBIs, eight doubles, seven triples and 14 stolen bases.

Her first experience at the varsity level came in the seventh and eighth grade at Baldwin County High School.

Messer said she’s had a great learning experience while at Straughn.

“Straughn has helped me have more confidence in myself,” she said.

Messer said her favorite part of the game is defense.

During the past two sesaons, Messer has helped lead her team to two Class 3A state runner-up titles.

She said this season the team wants to earn the No. 1 spot in Class 3A softball.

“We’re working hard to win state this year,” she said. “We’ve been runner-up two years in a row.”

As far as setting a goal for herself this year, Messer said she wants to improve her batting average.

“I just want to hit better,” she said.

Messer said that Straughn coach Ray Wilson has taught her a lot while on the team.

“He’s taught us to work as a team,” she said.

Messer is the daughter of Steve and Theresa Messer of Andalusia. She also has a sister, Kaydie.

Messer will start her senior season on March 5 and 6 at a tournament in Troy.