Madison Farmer of Western signs to play softball at Peace

by John Lucas | Dec 18, 2018 | Articles, News & Features, Western Harnett

Seated from left are Dewitt Baker (grandfather), Melanie Farmer (mother), Madison Farmer and Moses Farmer (father). On the back row are Western softball coach Stephen Hales, principal Matthew Price and athletic director Russell Taylor. (Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Western Harnett senior Madison Farmer, of Lillington, signed Monday to play softball at William Peace University in Raleigh.

“It was mostly I worked hard because I love softball,” Farmer said. “It had always been an option that maybe I could do, but after I toured William Peace, I knew that’s what I wanted to do in college.”

Pacers softball coach Charlie Dobbins said his interest in Farmer came from a combination of her accomplishments on the field and in the classroom.

“First of all, Madison is definitely a student athlete,” Dobbins said. “She’s got excellent academics and is also a very, very good softball player. William Peace softball is growing, as well as the whole university. The school has one of the fastest growing athletic departments in the state right now. We’ve gone from six teams to 18 in the last four years. Madison is going to be a huge part of this freshman class coming in as we continue to work really hard and contribute into the USA South (Conference).”

Dobbins said he expects Farmer to immediately be a contributor for the Pacers.

“As a catcher, that’s a position that requires a lot of skill development, but also softball IQ,” Dobbins said. “I think she’s going to really perform well and she’ll come in and earn time right away, I’m confident. I have all the confidence in the world she’s going to do well. She comes from a great family. There’s a great tradition down here. I think we’re very, very blessed to get a kid this quality.”

Farmer said she made her decision to attend Peace after touring the campus.

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Farmer said. “It’s in the heart of Raleigh and the coach really made me feel welcome and the school itself made me feel welcome. It’s not very big, but I feel like it’s the best fit for me.”

Farmer has been a four-year starter on the varsity softball team for the Eagles, primarily at catcher, but also as a third baseman. She has also played junior varsity and varsity volleyball for Western.

“I’m very competitive,” Farmer said. “Very competitive.”

Farmer said she plans to major in Sports and Exercise Science and hopes to turn her education into a career as a physical therapist.

“I hope to excel in both athletics and in the classroom,” Farmer said. “I think a big part of it is just keeping my academics up while getting better on the field.”

Farmer said her biggest memories of softball as an Eagle have revolved around the team rallying around one another.

“Coming back from a hole and coming together and playing as one and cheering everyone on,” Farmer said. “And at the end of the game, everyone runs out on the field. It’s just a really good feeling to know that you worked as a team.”