Tons of hard work paid off for Marion senior Emerson Miller, who signed to play softball Wednesday afternoon with the University of West Georgia. The third baseman shattered single-season school records as a junior, batting .578, scoring 57 runs, driving in 52 runs, hitting 16 home runs, and ripping 10 triples. Miller's 12 doubles was not a school record because “she couldn't stop hitting home runs,” said Marion head softball coach Sean Gray. Miller earned all-state, and all-conference honors after her historic season when teammates voted her team captain. “I couldn't have gotten here by myself,” said Miller. “I'm proud of all the work our team has put in, and I hope the classes below me get the same opportunities I have. My parents put in endless money, endless travel time, and support. My sisters have been huge for me. Coach Gray and Coach (Drake) Rowton have stayed after practice with me since I was a freshman. Coach A (Anna Hurley) is new, but she's been so supportive.” West Georgia finished 25-16 in 2021, including a 17-11 mark in league play, and the school boasts some of the top softball facilities in the nation. “Their coach is super friendly. It's six hours away. It's in the eastern time zone, so it'll be my little area,” said Miller. “When I went, the school and town were just the right size. The school is the perfect fit, as well as the location.” “It's awesome for Emerson to be able to do this because she's just worked so hard throughout her career,” said Gray. “We've seen this day coming for a while now. We knew she'd be special, we just weren't sure exactly how good she'd be. She's truly earned this opportunity.” In addition to her outstanding play on the field, Miller maintains a 4.15 GPA and is in line to earn valedictorian honors at graduation. The hard-working Miller completed a standout career in October by earning all-conference honors for Marion's 27-2 conference champion, and state semifinal volleyball team. Miller often arrives at practice 15 minutes early to help clean the locker room, and she stays after practice to get extra reps. “You have to focus on what's the priority. I know if I have a test coming up, the two days before the test I make sure I'm home and study for at least an hour,” said Miller. “Anything after that I can put towards extra work, but know I have to get that in.” “We've been a program for 22 years, and we've seen so many great players come and go here, and she's already had the best career that anyone here has ever had in one season only,” said Gray. “It's just crazy to watch and so special. She really deserves all these accolades because she's done the work.”