Patterson's Chaisson signs softball letter

PATTERSON — Rylie Chaisson, a senior softball player at Patterson High School, signed her letter of intent Monday with John Melvin University in Crowley.

She has been a pitcher at PHS and for the travel ball team USA 36. Her travel ball coach, Amber LeBlanc, also happens to be the head softball coach at the new John Melvin University. LeBlanc extended the scholarship offer.

Still facing her senior year of softball at PHS, Softball Head Coach Garrett Grogan is looking forward to seeing her achievements.

Chaisson has pitched every game for the Lumberjills. But according to Grogan, this year’s team will have someone to help her out on the mound.

“We at Patterson High School congratulate her for her achievements,” he said of Chaisson. “Anytime a kid gets to further their education and do it with a sport they love, it is a great thing!”

Chaisson started ball at 4 years of age playing T-ball with the boys.

“My dad actually taught me a baseball swing when I first started out,” she said. “So you can imagine how hard it was to get out of that habit.”

She plans to major in nursing with hopes of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.

During her softball career at PHS thus far, she was awarded the Gold Glove award for defense, the Impact Award as a freshman, Second Team All-district award as a pitcher her sophomore and a junior years, and the Offensive Award as a junior.

Gathering for the event were numerous family, friends and well-wishers.

She is the daughter of Joe and Molly Chaisson of Patterson.

JMU is dedicated to the memory of multi-sport collegiate athlete John Caleb Melvin of Berwick.

The Berwick High School standout athlete earned a track scholarship to UL Lafayette. His life tragically ended on Feb. 17, 2003, following a vehicle accident.