Senior Jayla Pinkney has signed with Bowie State University in Bowie, MD to play softball. Since entering AACS as a sophomore, Pinkney has been a 3 year varsity softball player along with 3 years of varsity basketball. With 9 years of softball experience under her belt, Pinkney has played all over the field including outfield, catcher, 1st base, and her primary position of 3rd base. She was named to the IAAM B Conference All-Conference team in 2017. She has won many team awards including 2017 MVP and 2016 Silver Slugger Award. She was also named the AACS Athlete of the Month during the spring of 2016. She not only excels on the field, but also in the classroom with various honor roll recognitions and the President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence.
Pinkney chose Bowie State for its excellent academic reputation. It is also a small school close to home where family can easily still come and watch her play. Her plan is to study Social Justice while at Bowie. Playing softball in college has always been a dream for Jayla. She has put in the hard work to reach that next level and achieve her dreams. Bowie State was the answer to that dream. Pinkey said, "I am truly blessed and honored to be playing softball at the next level."
During her 3 years at AACS, she has learned many valuable skills that will help her be successful in her future. She stated that AACS has given her the right mindset to keep pushing forward. The athletic program has given her the leadership skills needed to be a positive leader. She has learned the fundamentals to become a winner on the field.
Head Softball Coach, Josh Danza, said, "We are very excited for Jayla as she continues her softball career in college. Over the past two seasons, Jayla has proved to be one the most powerful hitters in the conference. As a captain, she has led by example on and off the field. She is a great role model for our younger players and values the team's success above her own."
Athletic Director, Jim Domoracki, said, "Jayla has worked hard to earn this scholarship. She is humble, talented, a leader and a great teammate. It has been a privilege to coach her. I am very proud of her."