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Lowndes Academy Lady Rebel Addison Bridges realized the fulfillment of a longtime dream Monday and signed a commitment to play volleyball at the collegiate level as a Wallace Community College Selma (WCCS) Patriot.

Surrounded by her family, friends, coaches and teammates, Bridges, a senior, signed the commitment in a ceremony held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 6.

“This is a wonderful thing,” said Lowndes Academy Headmaster Barry Mohun. “We are very proud of her.”

Bridges thanked the individuals who had supported her high school volleyball career, which began in her seventh-grade year and continued in school as well as travel leagues.

“I’m excited to start this new adventure, this new chapter of my life,” Bridges said. Speaking to her parents, coaches and teammates she continued, “I will carry the lessons that you all have taught me into whatever comes next and I’m incredibly grateful for everything ya’ll have done to help me grow, both as an athlete and as a person.”

Letti Hasberry, WCCS assistant women’s volleyball coach, said Bridges is the kind of athlete the community college recruits as a right fit for the Lady Patriots.

“One of the main things we look for is hard work and dedication,” Hasberry said. “[We look] for them to be focused on their academics first and then athletics second. When we see that they are committed, that will translate onto the court.”

Bridges’ mother, Misti Denmark, recalled the years of practice and athletic performance leading up to the commitment and said it had always been her daughter’s dream to play volleyball at the college level.

“She played travel ball with Manitoba and with CCJ (Capital City Juniors Volleyball Club).” Denmark said. “This is all she has ever wanted to do.”

Bridges plans to pursue a career in athletic training, Denmark said, calling the choice an inspiration sparked by the help she received from trainers after a few injuries. Denmark also said Bridges entertained other offers but always came back to WCCS as her top choice.

Mohun applauded the student-athlete’s hard work, the effort of many years working toward the goal she realized with her commitment.

“I know you’ve worked very hard for this,” Mohun said. “This is the third year in a row we’ve had somebody sign in volleyball.”