Randolph-Henry High School senior varsity softball standout Dasheckalee “Molly” Rose had already participated in a signing at the college she will play for, but the Lady Statesmen had not been a part of it.

“When the team found out about it, they were like, ‘Ah, that’s not fair. We’re going to set it up here (at Randolph-Henry),’” said Rose’s mother, Josephine Gilliam. “And Mr. (Chris) Holt did everything he could do to make it happen, so it’s a special moment.”

With teammates, family, coaches and friends on hand Thursday, she signed to play softball for Patrick Henry Community College during a ceremony at Randolph-Henry.

“This day means so much to me because I never thought that I would be this far in life,” Rose said. “But after having a friend and people speak on me, and Mr. Holt doing all that he could do to get this day set up for me, it’s been a great day for me, and I’m going to continue to make people proud of me and do what it is that I have to do to succeed in life.”

Lady Statesmen coach Deborah Laine noted that Rose has joined a select group of players among those who have played for her during her 36 years as coach at Randolph-Henry.

“She is one of only about probably five girls, I think, that I’ve actually had to go on and play at (the) college level,” Laine said. “I’m real excited for her and for her family, and it’s just exciting to have any of our players go on and play at the next level.”

Rose had difficulty remembering how many years it has been that playing college ball has been a goal because it has been quite a few.

“I can’t really say a number, but since a little girl,” she said. “It’s been some years.”

Rose said she had not really been weighing various options when it came to college prior to making her decision to go with Patrick Henry.

“This was just an open opportunity, and I took it, just went for it,” she said.

Patrick Henry had been looking at her for her abilities as a third baseman, Rose said. It is the same position she plays for her travel ball ,team and for the Lady Statesmen.

She has a guaranteed roster spot with the Lady Patriots, and Laine expects her to be a great addition to the team.

“She’s very happygo-lucky and has just a good personality about her, and so I think that the rest of the teammates will certainly enjoy her being a teammate,” the coach said. “It may take her a while before she works her way into a starting position, but I think she’ll be the type of team player that you’d like to have, whether she’s playing or whether she’s waiting for her chance to get out there.”

Citing those she wanted to thank for helping her reach her present level of achievement, Rose said, “Katelyn Powers and her family and just my mom and dad and Randolph-Henry High School.”

She said she is not sure yet what she wants to major in, but should hold the major of General Studies in the meantime.