Hannah Wilson has her future planned for the next several years.
And she's only a junior in high school.
For example, she knows already that after graduation from Thomson High School next year she will be attending the University of Georgia and likely playing softball as the starting shortstop for the Lady Bulldogs.
Wilson, who has been a star softball player at Thomson since she was a freshman, verbally committed to Georgia about a month ago. She is expected to sign with Georgia in the next few months.
"I'm glad to have this decision out of the way," said Wilson during an interview with The McDuffie Mirror on Monday night. "I've always wanted to play college softball. I'm real excited about getting the opportunity."
The star shortstop had been recruited by a number of colleges, including Georgia Tech and Alabama.
Wilson, the daughter of Wayne and Ashley Wilson, of Thomson, and Kay and Rob Douglas, of Evans, recently was named the Region 3-AAA Player of The Year. It marked the second straight year that she has been so honored.
She said she chose Georgia over the other colleges recruiting her because she has always been a big Georgia fan.
"I also have three sisters that live in Athens," said Wilson. "One of them attends UGA, while the other two attend Gainesville State. That had a little something to do with it, too. I also like the idea that it's not too close and not too far from home."
Another reason was based on the strong possibility that she might land a starting position.
"That figured into me choosing Georgia, too," added Wilson. "I'd love to be a starter all four years."
If that materializes, Wilson already has set aside a personal goal.
"I'd like to become All-American all four years," said Wilson.
Georgia head coach Lu Champer Harris and assistant coach Gerry Glasco, who handles recruiting for the Lady Bulldogs, were both high on landing the three-year starter at Thomson.
Wilson said the UGA coaches liked many of her attributes.
"They said they liked my being a bull-nosed player and the fact that I don't back down from anybody," said Wilson. "They also said they liked me because I have speed, hitting power, a good glove and good throwing arm."
Now that she doesn't have to worry where she will be playing college softball, Wilson believes it will allow her more time to concentrate on her senior year at Thomson High.
Already, Wilson, who will be one of four seniors next year, is preparing for the upcoming regular season.
"We're training now to hopefully win a state championship next year," said Wilson. "Coach (Katie) Southerland is whipping us into shape right now. I have high expectations of myself and my teammates. I really believe if we prepare hard for every game that we can win every game."
Wilson helped the Lady Bulldogs to the Elite Eight in the Georgia Class AAA State Softball Playoffs this past season.
She currently is preparing to play traveling softball with the Georgia Southern Force, a team made up of players from the Athens-Atlanta areas.
