Fellowship Christian Senior To Take Softball Skills To Samford University

By John Heid, sports information director at Fellowship Christian School

Earlier this week, Fellowship Christian School senior Kelsey Royalty signed a letter of intent to attend Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., and play NAAA Division I softball.

Royalty, the daughter of Alan and Mylinda Royalty, recently completed her senior season with the FCS varsity softball team. The veteran catcher helped the Lady Paladins finish 7-6 overall in the school’s return to varsity softball. The school did not have a varsity squad in 2013.

“There is no doubt Kelsey is a great athlete,” head coach Brad Pager said. “In fact, she’s one of the best I have ever coached. The key to her success is what’s on the inside. Her approach to the game, how she prepares and how she competes are all big parts of who she is. Kelsey was like having an extra coach on the field this season. The positive impact she had on her teammates will always be what sets her apart for me. Any coach knows the value of a player like Kelsey. Her signing today reflects that value. Big time congratulations to Kelsey and to her mom and dad who have been with her every step of the way.”

At the plate, Royalty was among the Lady Paladin leaders. She played in 12 games, and led the team with five triples and finished second on the club with 14 RBIs, 1 home run and a .486 batting average. She also shared second on the team with 17 hits and seven stolen bases, and was third with a .581 slugging percentage and 17 runs scored.

Royalty also plays varsity girls’ basketball at FCS.

Her father Alan, is an assistant coach with the boys varsity basketball team, and is head coach of the JV squad.

Photo: Front Row, from left: Alan, Kelsey and Mylinda Royalty; back row, from left: Bryan Lindner, FCS athletic director; Shannon Holt, varsity softball assistant coach; Brad Pager, varsity softball head coach; Kathy Teston, FCS head of school; Vance Medlam, Kelsey’s travel softball coach with Georgia Impact 18U Gold; Kurtis Royalty, Kelsey’s brother; Pat Ketchum, Kelsey’s grandmother; and Mike Long, FCS high school principal. Credit: Fellowship Christian School