Panther fastpitch players Kayla Wells and Kali Patterson signed their letters of intent to attend Belmont University and Western Washington University, respectively, and play for their softball teams.

The two were joined by family, friends and the lunchtime crowd of Bonney Lake High School at the Tuesday morning signing ceremony.

Wells will attend Belmont University of Nashville, Tenn. in the fall, and play for the Bruins in NCAA Division I.

“The sense of southern hospitality was exactly what I was looking for,” Wells said.

She was joined on stage by her parents, sisters, grandparents and other family. Her grandmother, already wearing a “Belmont Grandparent” sweater, marked the end of the signing with a bouquet of roses and a big hug. Parents Michelle and John Wells were overcome with the emotion of the moment.

“I’m excited, nervous, anxious, sad… my first born is leaving the nest,” Michelle said.

“I think there’s a bit of relief, too,” John said. “She’s worked really hard to get to where she’s at.”

Patterson will attend Western Washington University in Bellingham,  and play for the Vikings in Division II.

“I’m just really excited,” Patterson said after the signing. “I know its the right choice. I like the campus and I like the coach a lot.”

She was joined on stage by parents Steve and Terri Patterson, and a family friend off-stage.

“I’m excited for her,” Steve said. “She’s worked very hard to get to this point.”

“It’s been a really fun road to travel down,” Terri said. “I am very proud of all her accomplishments in fast pitch, and academically. She’s a special girl.”

Both athletes are just beginning their fourth and senior season with Panther fastpitch, having begun with the Panthers alongside coach Andy Sage.

“I feel an immense amount of pride for both girls,” Sage said. “Their freshman year was my first year as coach of this team. It’s been really rewarding to see them grow, and they’ll be missed when they graduate.”

Wells and Patterson have both made it to the WIAA state tournament three times during their high school fastpitch careers. Wells said she would love to close her time at Bonney Lake High School with a fourth trip this spring.