It was nearly 10 years ago when Lora Ryals stepped on Lady Charger Field for the first time. Grenada High School fast-pitch softball coach Leslie Lancaster knew then that Ryals had a chance to be a special player.
Ryals begins her senior season in the spring and has a college scholarship in her back pocket now. She made it official recently by signing to begin her collegiate career at Holmes Community College in Goodman.
“I’m proud that Lora is going to be able to continue her softball career at Holmes Community College,” Lancaster said. “When I first saw her play intramurals in the third grade, I knew she would be one of those type of players that would be coachable, have fight and a lot of grit. Lora shows great leadership both on and off the field.”
The daughter of Donny and Peach Ryals of Grenada is looking forward to being a Holmes Lady Bulldog in the fall of 2023.
“I’m very excited about continuing my softball career at Holmes Community College,” Ryals said. “I’ve worked hard for the opportunity for a long time and I feel like I will do great and make Grenada proud.”
Ryals will be coached at Holmes by former Neshoba Central High School coach Trae Embry, who is in his third season with the Lady Bulldogs. Ryals knows a lot her coach having played against his teams while at GHS.
“Coach Embry is an outstanding softball coach and I’m looking forward to playing for him at Holmes,” she said. “He has the program playing at a high level.”
During her junior season at Grenada, Ryals hit .418 going 23-of-55 with four doubles and 17 RBI. She only struck out four times in 55 plate appearances. Ryals’ best game was a four-hit performance against Senatobia.
The Lady Chargers open practice in January. Grenada opens the 2023 campaign on Feb. 13, 2023 at home against Water Valley.
