By: Kendra Majors

Opp’s Arriyon Hightower signed with Wallace Community College on Wednesday.

Hightower, a senior third baseman for Opp, will play next season for the Governors.

Hightower said that playing softball at the next level has been something she has dreamed of for a long time.

“Ever since I was 12, I wanted to play college ball,” she said. “I feel like this is the beginning for me. I hope to play Division 1.”

Hightower said she likes that Wallace CC is close to home and their softball program is successful.

“I’m so excited and grateful for the opportunity,” she said.

Hightower said she had two other offers – one from Gulf Coast in Panama City and the other from Enterprise State Community College.

“I visited the campus and fielded some balls,” she said. “It felt like home. The coaches are some really great people, and will challenge me athletically.”

Hightower is the daughter of OHS principal Aaron Hightower and OES kindergarten teacher Keena Hightower.

“Coach (Jimmy) Reeves took Arriyon in the seventh grade and made her a third baseman,” he said. “We are blessed and fortunate to have Arriyon as a daughter.”

Coach Hightower said that they are very pleased that Arriyon was awarded a citizenship award.

“It doesn’t matter what you accomplish if you can’t show love for others,” he said. “She loves unconditionally and I learn from her every day.”

OHS Athletic Director Brent Hill described her as a sweet young lady.

He said that his 12-year-old daughter adores her and that she has taken time to help his daughter and others hone their softball skills.

Coach David McVay joked with Arriyon that he was looking forward to seeing what she was going to do for the Opp Bobcats in the next few months before moving on to the next level.