Recent Hixson High School graduate Kaleigh Riley signed scholarship papers Thursday afternoon to continue her softball career at Tennessee Temple University. The left-handed batter and thrower played catcher for the Lady Wildcats and batted .306 with a .447 slugging percentage this spring, but Temple coach Randy Crawford saw her at a recent summer tournament in Crossville. She plays for the Chattanooga Mystics. "I was needing another catcher, and I needed another strong left-handed batter, and that's what she is," Crawford said. "She's also a good Christian girl, so she's a good fit in that way, too." Mystics coach Travis Hale is an assistant for Hixson and said Riley "did a great job for us catching throughout the high school year and this summer, and her bat's come alive. She brings power to the lineup." Hixson head coach Jayme Putman pointed out that Riley was a catcher three of her four high school years but showed versatility by playing center field as a junior. "The big difference this year was her maturity as a senior leader, and her work ethic and that 'want to,'" Putman said. "She has the attitude that 'No matter how good I am, I can always get better.'" The Lady Wildcats finished second in District 6-AA, and Putman noted that late in one district game Riley kept Hixson close by picking off one runner and throwing out the next one stealing. "Temple is close to home and I get to play a sport," Riley said. "I love Chattanooga."