Commerce High School's Niki McKeithen signs with Waldorf College

Niki McKeithen, a 2009 graduate of Commerce High School, signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Waldorf College in Forest City, IA on Monday, July 20th. McKeithen had verbally committed to the nationally recognized NAIA program earlier in the month, but while visiting the campus the current Fannin Rebels' player signed with head coach Kristle Wolcott's program. Waldorf College, a campus of about 600 students, in northern Iowa competed for in the NAIA National Tournament in 2009 in Alabama.

In her senior season at Commerce High School, she hit .473 with 10 runs scored for former Head Coach Rick Porter. Currently, she is the starting third baseman for the Rebels, an 18U team from Trenton. She is currently holding a .375 on-base-percentage with an 83% fielding percentage and has earned one hold while pitching in relief this season for the Rebels.

"This is a great opportunity for Niki. She is a leader on the field, in the classroom and shows a great deal of respect to her coaches and teammates. Waldorf is a small campus with a great athletic staff. Coach Wolcott is a players' coach and Niki's going there should be a benefit for everyone involved," according to Allen Hilsdon, the Rebels' manager.

McKeithen is the daughter of Liza and Robbie McKeithen of Commerce.