Adams State University

Sheridan VanHoose signed her National Letter of Intent last month at Fruita Monument High School, who will graduate May 12 and was one of eight FMHS athletes to ink their NLI at the Wildcats' gym in front many enthusiastic supporters. 

"Signing with Adams State and graduation coming up is a little overwhelming, but I am ready to move onto the next chapter in my life," admitted VanHoose. "I'm excited to go to college and to play softball in college. It is definitely a lifestyle change, but I am ready for the journey."

VanHoose drew interest from Colorado Mesa University, but ultimately felt she made the right decision in choosing to become a Grizzly.

"My visit to Adams State went really well, VanHoose recalled. "I enjoyed the atmosphere and environment of Adams State, along with everything the university had to offer. I think the deciding factor in choosing Adams was the small class sizes and the softball organization."

 "It was important for me to continue playing softball because it has always been a part of my life and a part of me, VanHoose said. "I love the game too much to not play in college.

VanHoose has been playing competitive softball and other sports her whole life in the Grand Valley.  She played on the Wildcats' varsity softball team as a freshman and was the captain as a senior.

While VanHoose was impressed with what ASU has to offer, the Grizzlies were obviously impressed with the Wildcats' statistics. The senior, who committed only one error the entire season, had a batting average of .426, an on-base-percentage of .521 and a fielding percentage of .944.  VanHoose collected 26 hits, scored 21 runs and had 16 RBI for the 2014 season as well.

Sheridan Van Hoose comes from an athletic family as well, as her father, Dan VanHoose is the wrestling coach at Fruita Monument and wrestled collegiately at Western State College. Her brother Daniel VanHoose is a sophomore who saw quality time on the FMHS football team, was a state placer in the class 5A wrestling tournament and is currently playing for the sixth-ranked and undefeated varsity baseball team at Fruita Monument.