Darby Hamer signs with North Greenville University. Seated (left to right): Terrie Hamer, Darby Hamer, and Wayne Hamer. Standing (left to right): Myers “Shooter” Hamer, Betty H. Brown, Jim Brown, Harriet H. Nolan, Anna Margaret Graham, Haley Hamer, and Hunter Hamer. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD.)
Hamer is coming off of a great junior year that saw the Wildcats finish with an undefeated region record and the lower state title. Dillon fell just short of the state title with two 1-0 losses to Palmetto. Hamer was named All Region for the season and High School Sports Report named her Class AA All State as well. She also received the Junior Award at Dillon High’s athletic awards ceremony in May.
In addition to high school play, Hamer has always been active in local and recreational softball leagues. She played T-ball for the county league and Kiwanis league and this summer, she helped lead the Dixie Debs to the state championship game. The Debs finished as runner-up to Turbeville.
Hamer has played many positions, including first, third, and catcher, but pitcher is her favorite. Her junior year was her best so far as she recorded the most strike outs of her career. But she says she enjoys batting more than anything else.
Hamer says she was emailed from Greenville but initially thought it was too far away. But after a visit to the school and much prayer, she decided to accept.
“We are very proud of Darby,” Dillon Coach Shirl Carter said. “She has the ability and knowledge to be a great university player and more importantly she will be in a Christian atmosphere where her faith can only grow. It is evident by the family and coach support here today that she will have our continued support throughout her college career.”
The coaches who attended the signing included Coach Carter and Coach Donna Lane, as well as Coach Pedy Roberts, who coached Hamer on the Lady Lightning travel ball team, and Coach Lee Ann Moody, who has coached Hamer in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Coach Jackie Hayes, who has had the opportunity to be at Dillon with two of the Hamer kids, was also in attendance, as well as Coach Robert Gray, who has coached Hamer in pitching and hitting for nine years.
Coach Roberts said Hamer is “a very special lady. We can not take credit for her abilities. She is a power hitter and pitcher and a great teammate – loved by all.”
Hamer is the daughter of Terrie and Wayne Hamer, who are both very proud of their daughter.
“She has always been an amazing young woman who is capable of accomplishing anything she sets out to do,” Terrie Hamer said. “She’s my comfort and joy. It’s a great blessing to have her attend a Christian school. She turned down many opportunities to attend ‘Where Christ Makes The Difference.’”
“She has worked very hard to get where she is today,” Wayne Hamer added. “All the bruises and sore hands paid off. She will continue to work hard.”
Coach Carter said that Darby has been a cornerstone of the team’s success since she began playing in the eighth grade and will continue to be in her senior year. The Wildcats are looking forward to playing on a new field in Spring 2013.
Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click images below to view at full size!
