GALION — Cece Campbell came onto the softball scene at Galion right after one of the best three-year runs in program history.

During Campbell’s three years as the Lady Tigers’ catcher, the team hasn’t been nearly as successful, going a combined 11-51 in that span.

That hasn’t dampened Campbell’s enthusiasm or love for the game of softball. In fact, she not only looks forward to her senior year at Galion in the spring, but she has also committed to playing at the college level next year.

Campbell signed her letter of intent last week to play for the University of Northwest Ohio, located in Lima. Why UNOH?

“They just kept in contact with me so much,” Campbell said. “They acted like they wanted me. Right off the bat, they made me an offer.”

Despite her team’s subpar record, Campbell was named to the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference first team each of the last two years.

Her coach over that time, veteran mentor Doug Hunt, is not at all surprised that Campbell will be playing the sport she loves beyond high school.

“She’s one of the best catchers I’ve ever seen, and we’ve had a couple of good ones since I’ve been here,” Hunt said. “Cece — from the day she stepped on the field as a freshman — she became a leader on this team.”

UNOH is a NAIA level university, participating in the 12-team Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

There were other suitors for Campbell’s services.

“I had Mount Vernon Nazarene and Rio Grande, but especially the Naz,” Campbell said. “They were really pushing for me. But once I stepped on campus (at UNOH), I knew.”

Although Campbell is an outstanding catcher, she is flexible as to her role for the Racers. Coach Travis Owen and his staff think she could fill a number of roles.

“I signed as utility,” Campbell said. “Once (coach) saw my arm, he said, ‘You can play outfield for us, you can play third (base), you can catch.’ I can play anywhere, not just catch.”

Campbell intends to pursue a degree in sports management with the goal of obtaining her masters in coaching.

“It’s going to be a challenge, obviously, but I like a challenge,” Campbell said. “It’s going to be difficult. I’ll react well.”

“It’s super exciting,” said Hunt, who resigned his position at the end of last year. “I’m glad to be a part of this. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work. She’s put in a lot of time and effort and it’s paying dividends for her.”